Arsenal smoothly secured their seventh consecutive Premier League victory by scoring six goals against a struggling Sheffield United team at Bramall Lane.
The Gunners swiftly established a 3-0 lead within 13 minutes and went into halftime with a commanding 5-0 advantage over the Premier League’s bottom-ranked team.
Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and Ben White found the net for Mikel Arteta’s squad, with an unfortunate own goal from Jayden Bogle adding to their tally.
This victory brings Arsenal within two points of the league leaders, Liverpool, and firmly places them in contention for the title. Meanwhile, Sheffield United finds themselves 11 points adrift from safety with only 11 matches remaining.
Arsenal opened the scoring after five minutes, with Martin Odegaard capitalizing on a well-worked move down the left flank. The lead was swiftly doubled in the 13th minute when Bukayo Saka’s cross was deflected into the net by Bogle. Martinelli added to the tally shortly after with a deflected shot following Jakob Kiwior’s pass.
Havertz made it 4-0 with a precise finish after a Martinelli assist as Arsenal continued to dominate proceedings. Declan Rice then added a fifth goal just before halftime with a composed finish, further demoralizing the home side.
The visitors did not ease up after the break, as another well-worked move ended in right-back White firing powerfully past Grbic with his left foot.
The Gunners have become the first English league side to win three consecutive away games by a margin of five or more goals, while United – seemingly doomed to relegation – are the first English league side to lose four consecutive home games in all competitions while conceding five or more goals.
Ruthless Gunners keep title race pace
Following Liverpool’s dramatic victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday and Manchester City’s triumph in the derby on Sunday, Arsenal found themselves under pressure to maintain pace in the title race. They responded emphatically, showing no mercy to their limited and passive opponents, and instead, displaying ruthless efficiency.
The tone was set within the opening two minutes as Arsenal struck the bar and had a shot cleared off the line. Bukayo Saka, whose dominance over Auston Trusty down the left wing in the opening 15 minutes was particularly noteworthy, cut inside from the right, unleashed a shot that hit the woodwork, and Gabriel Martinelli’s follow-up was deflected away.
Arsenal continued to assert their dominance, finding the net shortly after, and maintained relentless pressure, reaching the 10-shot mark by the 22nd minute. They enjoyed 80% possession in the first half.
While Sheffield United’s deficiencies were evident, Arsenal’s attacking prowess in 2024 is undeniable. They have scored an impressive 31 goals in just seven Premier League games this year, winning each one.
However, the only setback for Arsenal was Martinelli’s injury in the second half, requiring assistance as he hobbled off the pitch with a right leg injury.
Blades bedraggled and broken
In an attempt to get some kind of coherent tune from his beleaguered side, Blades manager Chris Wilder lined up with an unfamiliar back four here, including former Arsenal defender Trusty at left back.
Following the third goal, Wilder hastily reverted to a back five, substituting the unfortunate Ollie Norwood, but it felt like rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic – too little, too late.
More concerning for Wilder and United is the reaction of the fans. While many exited Bramall Lane within the first fifteen minutes, those who remained showed little enthusiasm, barely mustering the energy to express their discontent with boos.
Resignation permeates the stands, with the frustration seeming more palpable on the pitch.
Prior to the fourth goal, Blades captain Anel Ahmedhodzic ruthlessly brought down Martinelli as the Brazilian played a through ball for the German. Despite the advantage being played, Havertz managed to score.
Ahmedhodzic’s action was dismal, reflecting the current mindset of his team.