Arsenal laid both hands on the club's first English Premier League title since 2004 by earning a dramatic 1-0 win away to relegation-threatened London rivals West Ham United on Sunday, May 10. A win made possible by three particular star tuns, one from arguably the most important player in the team, who just happens to be the best signing of the Mikel Arteta era, and two from attacking players who conjured the scant magic the Gunners produced going forward.
Leandro Trossard's winning goal in the 83rd minute, made possible by a wonderful cameo from Martin degaard, was merely the precursor to what is sure to be one of the most hotly debated moments in the history of England's top flight. Hammers substitute Callum Wilson thrashed in an apparent equaliser on the volley, only for VAR to make a potentially title-deciding intervention by judging Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was fouled by Wilson's fellow sub Pablo.
This was just one more moment that confirmed Raya as the central actor of this unforgettable piece of theatre at the London Stadium.
3 standout players from Arsenal's critical 1-0 win at West Ham
Raya’s 78th-minute save immediately becomes the stuff of Arsenal legend. | Marc Atkins/GettyImages
1. David Raya
It wasn't quite David Seaman against Paul Peschisolido in the 2003 FA Cup semi-final. Nor Jens Lehmann denying Juan Romn Riquelme in the last four of the Champions League in 2006, not in terms of photogenic brilliance, but Raya's stop in the 78th minute when Mateus Fernandes was one-on-one in the box, can arguably be more important in the modern history of Arsenal football club.
This was the moment when 22 years without a league title might've stretched to 23 and beyond. Fortunately, Raya was having none of that idea.
While Fernandes should have scored, should've opted for a Thierry Henry-esque finish, across the 'keeper and into the bottom right corner, Raya's contribution was still outstanding. He stayed calm, maintained excellent balance and showed off ungodly coordination to stick out his leg in time to rebuff Fernandes' too-clever-by-half attempt to wrong-foot the Arsenal No. 1 at the near post.
This save will probably be replayed almost as much as the image of Raya clawing at the ball in stoppage time, with Pablo's arm draped across his throat, but both were equally important. Just as Raya leaping to turn away a diving header from Hammers frontman Taty Castellanos was key. So was the way Raya got a strong fist to more than one West Ham set-piece delivered into the box.
It's not a stretch to say Raya is the best player in this team, the one person Arteta's Gunners could least afford to be without for too long. Few are more deserving of the title, save for maybe the often under-appreciated playmaker who turned this match in Arsenal's favour.
2. Martin degaard
Odegaard reminded the critics of his worth. | James Gill – Danehouse/GettyImages
Anyone who still needs a reason to appreciate degaard more should watch his 30-odd-minute cameo against West Ham on repeat. Arsenal were crying out for the often unfairly maligned schemer after 67 minutes of mostly turgid play going forward.
Pre-Odegaard passes were routinely underweighted or overhit, notably Martin Zubimendi's woeful attempt to release Eberechi Eze. Speaking of Eze, the 68 million man was again frustratingly passive, the way he was for most of the Champions League win over Atletico Madrid.
degaard, by contrast, wasted no time showing why he's still Arsenal's chief source of technique and creativity. A superb pass off the outside of his foot freed another substitute, Noni Madueke, behind West Ham's back five. Then degaard quickly followed up with a sweet reverse ball to play in Kai Havertz.
Fortunately for the Gunners, those passes were merely the appetisers to the main course. degaard soon served up a goal after playing a swift one-two with the tireless Declan Rice, leaving degaard to tee up the match-winner.
3. Leandro Trossard
Trossard was rewarded with the decisive strike. | David Price/GettyImages
The rare moments of inspiration on the ball Arsenal produced before degaard's introduction came courtesy of Trossard. Like his candidate for pass of the season, when the Belgian skimmed a ball into the path of raiding left-back Riccardo Calafiori, for an early chance the defender ought to have converted.
Trossard's partnership with Calafiori accounted for almost all of the Gunners' attacking menace during the first half. The winger also showed why he's generally preferred to more naturally gifted finisher Gabriel Martinelli by committing wholeheartedly to defensive duties.
It became common to see Trossard get around on the cover. Even to retreat into his own box to play his part in a last-ditch block or desperate, but well-timed clearance.
This appetite for the dirty work from an attacking player is why the title is firmly within Arsenal's grasp. A grip tightened once Trossard swept his late shot through a crowd.
Trossard has become the quiet but necessary cog for a side that's mastered the "boring" art of winning tight games, both domestically and on the continent.
This article was originally published on www.paininthearsenal.com as 3 standout players from Arsenal's critical 1-0 win at West Ham.
