Arsenal continued their impressive run of form with a stunning 6-0 victory over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Monday night. The Gunners scored five goals in the first half and added one more in the second to equal their record away win in the Premier League for the second time in a matter of weeks.
Odegaard opens the floodgates
The visitors wasted no time in asserting their dominance, as Martin Odegaard gave them the lead in the fifth minute with a low shot from Declan Rice’s cross. It was the Norwegian’s fifth goal in his last six games, and he was involved in most of Arsenal’s attacks.
Bukayo Saka, who hit the bar in the opening minute, was also a constant threat on the right flank, and he forced an own goal from Jayden Bogle in the 12th minute with a dangerous low cross that the defender could only divert into his own net.
Martinelli shines in rare start
Gabriel Martinelli, who was making his first start since January, made it 3-0 in the 14th minute with a deflected shot from Jakub Kiwior’s cutback. The Brazilian youngster showed his strength and pace throughout the game, and was rewarded with his first goal of the season.
Kai Havertz, who was also in fine form, added a fourth in the 25th minute with a powerful left-footed strike from Martinelli’s pass. The German international has now scored 10 goals in his last 11 games, and is the joint-top scorer in the league with 18 goals.
Rice and White join the party
Declan Rice, who was playing in an advanced role, scored the fifth goal in the 39th minute with a simple finish from Saka’s cross. The England midfielder has been a revelation since joining Arsenal from West Ham in January, and has scored four goals and provided six assists in 10 games.
Ben White, who was solid at the back, completed the rout in the 57th minute with a superb strike from outside the box. It was his first goal for Arsenal, and also the club’s 10,000th goal in all competitions.
Arsenal close the gap at the top
The Gunners have now scored 31 goals in their last seven league games, and have won their last three away games by at least five goals. They are the first team in English league history to achieve this feat.
They have also closed the gap with Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the table, as they are now only two points behind the leaders. They have a chance to go top if they beat Brentford at home on Saturday, before Liverpool and City face each other on Sunday.
Sheffield United, on the other hand, remain rooted to the bottom of the table, 11 points from safety with 11 games left. They have conceded 72 goals in 27 games, the worst defensive record in the league. Their fans were seen leaving the stadium after Arsenal’s third goal, and their manager Chris Wilder admitted that it was a “disgraceful” performance.
