So much for bogey teams. In a week that Mikel Arteta’s side have banished the demons of their poor recent record at Newcastle and here against Olympiakos, it was West Ham’s turn to feel the force of a resurgent Arsenal as they laid down the gauntlet in the title race with a convincing victory.

Other than the concerning sight of first Martin Ødegaard and then opening goalscorer Declan Rice having to be replaced due to injuries, this was a most satisfying afternoon for Arteta on his 300th match in charge. While 16% of Arsenal’s goals under the Spaniard have come from set-pieces – a figure only surpassed by Tony Pulis and Sam Allardyce of those who have managed that many games in the Premier League – they showed they are still capable of breaking down teams who come to defend with a low block as well.

West Ham, who had won on their last two trips to this part of north London, initially showed some signs of fight under their new manager Nuno Espírito Santo but weren’t able to respond after falling behind to the outstanding Rice against his former club. He was forced off in the second half...