Arsenal were so dominant in their 6-0 rout away to West Ham on Sunday afternoon that Martin Odegaard posted a record-breaking stats line.
While Bukayo Saka was named man of the match and former Hammer Declan Rice earned plenty of plaudits on his goalscoring return to London Stadium, their captain became the first Premier League player since records began 20 years ago to complete more than 100 passes (107), create at least five chances (seven) and assist multiple goals (two) in the same game.
The Norway international set up Leandro Trossard on the stroke of half-time to make it 4-0 to the Gunners before he teed up Saka for their fifth. Arsenal finished the game with more than 70 percent possession and recorded 25 attempts. It was their biggest away win in the Premier League and an all-time joint recording margin away from home.
Beyond the numbers, the result moved Mikel Arteta’s team to within two points of league leaders Liverpool.
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Speaking to club media afterwards, Odegaard said: “It was a really good game and strong performance. I think coming from a big game, a big win, and to come here and back it up with this performance is a brilliant sign.
“During the game as well, we just wanted it more and more and I really liked the performance and the mentality of the team.
“We always want to improve, we always want more. I think we showed that today during the game as well. When you go three or four nil up, it’s easy to drop a little bit, but we just kept on going and wanted more. That’s why I really liked today.”
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Ian Kington / IKIMAGES / AFP)
Arsenal travel to Burnley on Saturday as they aim to keep the pressure on having won every game since their mid-season break. And Odegaard added: “I’m happy to contribute to scoring goals and to winning games. And I think when we play like we did today, I think it’s easier for everyone to shine as well. That’s what we saw today, everyone enjoying their football and playing well together, and then it’s easier for everyone.
“It’s been a joy since I was handed the armband and I enjoyed every moment. I’ve said it many times, I love this team and I love what we’re doing. We’re going to keep pushing, keep improving and hopefully we can improve all the time.
“The last game at home was an incredible atmosphere – maybe the best I’ve seen in my life, to be honest. The supporters have given us so much the whole season last year they’ve been there, and we want to keep giving them something back. Today was another good way to do that.”
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