Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs West Ham United: 5 things we learned – Flatter to deceive

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 25: Arsenal players celebrate their team's second goal, an own goal scored by Issa Diop of West Ham United (not pictured) during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on August 25, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 25: Arsenal players celebrate their team's second goal, an own goal scored by Issa Diop of West Ham United (not pictured) during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on August 25, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal chases down Michail Antonio of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on August 25, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal chases down Michail Antonio of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on August 25, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

3. Bellerin needs to get his act together

The demise of Hector Bellerin has been odd. The Spaniard broke into the first team with such youthful energy, exuberance and verve. He was quick, athletic, he bounded up and down the right flank like a gazelle, firing crosses into the box, snapping into tackles, and providing a consistent and speedy outlet.

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But since that first full season in the starting XI, his level has slowly deteriorated. First, it was an ankle injury two years ago that severely restricted his sharpness. Then, last season, his defensive acumen was challenged. And now, his performances have worsened to the extent that he is now a liability.

On this occasion, it was Michail Antonio that gave the right back the runaround. The combination of Antonio’s searing pace, imposing power and frame, and willingness and intelligence in being direct with his runs on and off the ball caused Bellerin’s all sorts of problems.

Antonio turned him inside-out on several occasions, skipping past him with ease when he could receive the ball and turn, and also driving past him looking for through passes from his teammates. It was a very poor display from Bellerin. Another one. He needs to get his act together.