Arsenal Thrash Sheffield United 6-0
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Staffordshire, England (AP) On Monday, Arsenal stayed in touch with Liverpool and Manchester City with a 6-0 hammering of last-place Sheffield United, delivering another statement win in their English Premier League title challenge.
After 25 minutes, with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz bringing the score to 4-0 (plus an own goal by Jayden Bogle), some home fans got up and started to leave Bramall Lane.
As the opposition fans chanted, “We’re going to score in a minute,” Declan Rice scored the fifth goal in the 39th minute. This tied the record for most goals scored in the first half of a league game and meant that Arsenal scored five goals in three consecutive away league games, following 6-0 against West Ham and 5-0 against Burnley.
Even more so, in the 58th minute, right-back Ben White became the sixth different scorer for the visitors when he smashed a left-foot shot into the far corner.
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Since only three teams—Liverpool, Leicester, and Manchester United (twice)—had ever won a league game by a score of nine goals or more, Arsenal appeared to be a strong contender to break that record.
The rhythm of Arsenal’s game was disrupted, and Sheffield United’s players were able to catch their breath for a little while when manager Mikel Arteta decided to substitute a number of players, including Bukayo Saka at halftime and others like Jorginho and Rice later on.
But Arsenal’s goal differential, which is now higher than Liverpool’s and Manchester City’s, had a nice night. With seven consecutive victories, Arsenal maintained their position in third place, two points behind Liverpool and one point behind City.
The quantity of goals we scored and the clean sheet made it a major result for us again, Arteta remarked. It appears like the squad is craving more. That’s great news.
The only disappointing part of the evening was seeing Martinelli carried off the field in the 64th minute due to a right ankle injury.
According to Arteta, Martinelli got a cut, and Saka was taken out because he was sick.
If Arsenal beat Brentford on Saturday, they might briefly take over top place. On Sunday, Liverpool will host Manchester City.
“Right now, the energy is really good,” Arteta stated. “Everything becomes easier when you’re winning. Now is the time to keep moving forward.
Sheffield United remained in last position, 11 points behind safety, with 11 games left in their debut season back in the top division. They have lost at home this season by scores of 8-0 to Newcastle and 5-0 to Brighton.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder expressed his frustration with the team’s performance, saying, “It’s a painful season—the boys are a damaged group of players.” His side has let in 72 goals in 27 games. “The season has been long, and we’ve suffered heavy losses.”
Given the desperate state of the team’s playoff chances, Wilder hinted that he may start playing some of the younger players on the roster.
Watch Extended Highlights: Sheffield United v. Arsenal | PREMIER LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS | 3/4/2024 | NBC Sports
