Mikel Arteta fuming with £30m Arsenal player just before Bukayo Saka’s second goal v West Ham

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It might have been plain sailing for Arsenal against West Ham today but Mikel Arteta still had moments where he demanded more from his team.

The Gunners swept the Hammers aside with ease on Super Sunday. Four goals in the opening 45 minutes were followed by a second for Bukayo Saka in the second 45, before Declan Rice scored a stunning sixth to rub salt into the wound.

For Arsenal, it was a massive win and sent a statement to the likes of Liverpool and Man City that they are here to stay when it comes to the title race.

And given the level they’re playing at, it’s little wonder they are right in that title mix.

Indeed, Mikel Arteta is the driving force behind it all and that was on display today as he was spotted giving captain Martin Odegaard some firm words around the hour mark.

Arteta hammers Martin Odegaard v West Ham

Just before the fifth goal from Saka, Odegaard played a simple ball back inside rather than go down the line and try to spring another attack. And Arteta saw it, as he waived his arms and had a go at Odegaard, inciting a reaction from his skipper as well.

Of course, it mattered little. But it did show that Arteta has high standards and even at 4-0 up, does not want things to slip.

£30m signing Odegaard was so instrumental again and has been all season but even he is not clear of the wrath of his manager if he feels there’s improvement to be had.

Just like Pep Guardiola at Man City, the manager is constantly on at his players to get the job done and not dip below certain levels and it’s a big thing for the top clubs.

If Arteta can keep pushing this sort of level from his team, then a stunning end to the season could well be on for them.