West Ham 3-1 Arsenal: 3 talking points as Gunners dumped out of Carabao Cup

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 01: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal is challenged by Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between West Ham United and Arsenal at London Stadium on November 01, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Arteta’s decision to bring Saka and Martinelli on late

With Arsenal down 3-0 in the 66th minute, the game was as good as gone, so the general thought was to rest/leave the stars that were on the bench out of the game.

But in an odd situation, Arteta brought both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on in an attempt to salvage something from the game.

Saka and Martinelli coming on.

Is it really worth it?
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) November 1, 2023

In truth, Arsenal never looked like beating West Ham, and Arteta might have missed a chance to give Saka and Martinelli a vital break. One could only imagine if either player picked up an injury.