Match report and free highlights as Arsenal smashed Sheffield United 6-0; the Gunners were five ahead at half-time with goals from Martin Odegaard, Jayden Bogle's own goal, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice; Ben White got in on the act in the second half
Tuesday 5 March 2024 06:06, UK
Arsenal added Sheffield United to their list of thrashed teams as the Gunners beat Chris Wilder’s side 6-0 to move back within touching distance of title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the table.
Having beaten West Ham 6-0 and Burnley 5-0 in their most recent away games, the Gunners found themselves five up at half-time thanks to goals from Martin Odegaard, Jayden Bogle's own goal, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice.
Jamie Carragher described Sheffield United's display as a "disgrace" and "the most one-sided games of football I've ever seen" - and the home side's pain continued after the break as Ben White got in the act with a superb strike.
There was more joy for Arsenal as Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira made their returns from injury to add to the Gunners' depth - but they did lose Gabriel Martinelli to a worrying second-half injury.
The Gunners - who have now scored 31 goals in their last seven league games - know they can go top of the Premier League if they beat Brentford at home on Saturday Night Football, live on Sky Sports - before rivals Liverpool and Manchester City play each other on the following day on Super Sunday.
Sheffield United, who saw fans leave Bramall Lane after Arsenal's third on 15 minutes, remain 11 points from safety with 11 games remaining - and stuck with a goal difference of minus 50 having conceded 72 goals in 27 league games this season.
Manager Chris Wilder was almost resigned to the Blades' fate regarding their relegation fight. "It's a painful season and the boys are a damaged group of players. There's no doubt about that. It's been a long season and they've had to take a few hits as a group," he said.
"We all have to tae responsibility, whether it's pre-me or whatever, we all have to take that responsibility - player, coaches or managers. We can't get away from that.
"It may be time for me to have a little peek at who takes us forward in these next 10 or 11 games. The young guns who came on at half-time - [Ollie] Arblaster and [Andre] Brooks and [Will] Osula - maybe they're the ones who take us forward a bit now. I've got some big decisions to make."
Sheffield United were given a stern warning after just 75 seconds as Saka struck the post and Jack Robinson had to clear the rebound off the line from Martinelli's close-range strike.
Three minutes later, the Blades were not let off so easily. Jorginho fed Rice on the left byline and he cut the ball back to Odegaard, who had an easy finish into an empty net.
The Arsenal captain was close to a second as he angled a shot wide but the Gunners had their second soon enough as Saka burst past Auston Trusty far too easily down the right and his low cross was put into his net by a clumsy Bogle.
Arsenal made it three almost instantly as Rice won the ball high up and feed Jakub Kiwior on the overlap. The Polish defender pulled the ball back to Martinelli whose deflected shot flew in.
As the Sheffield United fans went for the exits, manager Wilder made a switch, bringing off Oliver Norwood and putting in Ben Osborn as an extra defender against the rampaging Saka, but Arsenal's left-hand side continue to fire as they made it four.
Martinelli picked Ahemdhodzic's pocket deep in the Blades half and fed Havertz in the box, who had a simple finish into the far corner.
And then Saka returned down the right for No 5 as he jinked past substitute Osborn to find an unmarked Rice in the box, who swept home with ease.
That was Saka's last action of the game as he was taken off at half-time for the returning Vieira - as the Gunners continued their ventures forward. Rice's free-kick was saved by goalkeeper Ivo Grbic at the near post while Martinelli put an effort wide.
Arsenal's sixth fell to White as the defender picked up Havertz's nice take-down and pass in the box to rifle home with his left foot. Kiwior tried to join him on the scoresheet but his close-range header late on was all wrong, as was Jesus' late finish after coming off the bench.
And despite seeing Martinelli hobble off late on, it was a perfect, record-breaking night to remember for the Gunners.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to Sky Sports:
"I love the way the team played, the quality that we showed, the aggression we showed with and without the ball. We were really determined from the beginning, we were all worried as it's a tricky game against a tricky team who had played well against some big teams.
"We have to continue what we are doing, I'm really happy with how we played, really happy to get players back after a long time like Fabio and Thomas. On Saturday is Brentford, we enjoy it today then tomorrow is Brentford, Brentford and Brentford.
"It's going to be crucial if we win the remaining games. In order to do that, we have to beat Brentford and that's the most important thing now.
"We really love our players and our job is to improve them and to give them the resources and to put them in situations where they can explore their qualities. The fact so many are scoring creates confidence and threat around the team that anyone can score a goal.
"I know how tough it is going to be against Brentford. It always is. We are trying to prepare the game in the best possible way. Performing the way we are doing, and earning the right to win the game.
On what happened in the mid-season trip to Dubai: "We had a really condensed period and we had lot of players out. We had a few defeats without deserving them. It was a good wake-up call. It was about putting things aside, being together, enjoying nature is a positive thing to do.
On Saka and Martinelli's withdrawals after half-time: "Bukayo was feeling sick and wasn't feeling right so we decided to take him off. Gabby is just a cut, it's a slight cut and we have to see how it is."
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder to Sky Sports:
"There were some disappointing performances all over the park and when you're not at a level that gives you half a chance, you're going to get punished brutally. They were in a different league, different planet from us. We couldn't lay a glove on them and that's why they're in their position in the best league in the world.
"And in the best domestic league in the world you have to be right at it in terms of a consistency point of view, everything, a conditioning point of view - you have to be spot on. Because there are some top teams who will take you to pieces. The gulf is huge and it was definitely shown tonight.
"They shouldn't need to be motivated. They're professional footballers, we all get paid very, very well. We need to be at a level where we motivate ourselves. What I need to do, I'm not so sure. The lead-up to the game was pretty good, we talk about it internally about the feel of the game before in terms of a game plan but it goes out the window when you make elementary mistakes.
"I do get why people say: 'they're not up for it' but we were just not good enough tonight. From a motivational point of view, it's playing on Monday Night Football against Arsenal in the Premier League, you shouldn't need anyone to be geed up, you need to calm people down. Maybe I should take that on a bit more now and getting to the players a bit more.
"We're hurting on behalf of the football club, because the performances over the last three or four games are nowhere near where they're supposed to be to give us a chance of getting results.
Arsenal's record goalscorer Thierry Henry speaking on Monday Night Football:
"They did not concede, they have different scorers, they kept on playing the way Mikel Arteta wants to play at the minute, they took Bukayo Saka off the field [at half-time], but it is important to do this type of thing and this is why at times when you lead well in any Premier League game, make sure you rest.
"I'm pleased that discussion about them having to buy a striker in January, with everyone saying they must, but no, they must finish their chances.
"Are they going to go for a big striker in the summer? That is a different discussion. They were creating, they just were not putting the ball in the back of the net.
"The way we are playing at the minute is outstanding but if I do not see you with the trophy in your hand at the end, then I cannot celebrate too much. But I am really happy."
Arsenal's attention now turns to a London derby at home to Brentford on Saturday Night Football, live on Sky Sports (kick off 5.30pm). That game is particularly important given title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City play each other on the following day, kick-off 3.45pm on Super Sunday.
Sheffield United have two league games to end the month of March. They host Bournemouth next Saturday (kick-off 3pm), before welcoming Fulham to Bramall Lane on March 30.
