However, defensively, West Ham have been quite disappointing this campaign despite recording two clean sheets in their last two games, allowing 19 goals so far. Contrarily, Arsenal boast the second-best defensive record in the division this season, conceding 12 goals, and securing four clean sheets.

Arsenal's margin for error is ever so small if they want to get themselves back into the Premier League title race and only a win will do at West Ham United on Saturday. The Gunners' two performances and results after the November international break have facilitated the resurgence of optimism among the fanbase after a tough start to the new season.

The demolition of Sporting - which has lifted Arsenal into the coveted top eight spots in the Champions League table - came in the aftermath of an equally convincing 3-0 Premier League success over Nottingham Forest, one that ended a four-game winless streak in the division and kept Arteta's crop just inside the top four of the standings.