Arsenal have started the Premier League season 7-3-0, holding firm in second place. A squad that added the likes of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and others who have been injured including Jurrien Timber, Arsenal feel as if they have a strong core to contend for titles. 

However, in Declan Rice’s first game back at London Stadium versus his old squad in the Carabao Cup Round of 16, West Ham, revenge was not on the cards. West Ham thrashed Arsenal, whose injury woes are starting to mount with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe, and others sustaining knocks. 

A 3-1 result, with goals for West Ham including a Ben White OG, Mohammad Kudus, and Jarrod Bowen sealed the deal for West Ham to knock out Arsenal in the domestic cup competition. A disappointing result for Arsenal as they have not had great success in domestic cup competitions under Mikel Arteta, only winning the FA Cup in his first season in charge in 2019.

Not all hope is lost for the Gunners, they still have a firm hold on the top spot of their Champions League group and have continued their superb run of form in the Premier League. Arteta is sure to have some changes to the starting XI as there are injuries, but they have experimented early in the season with certain players in other positions than they normally would be in so only time will tell if they can keep up this form while getting players back from injury. 

Arsenal square off versus red hot Newcastle at Saint James’ Park on Saturday at 1:30 pm.