In a game not blessed with a multitude of flashpoints, the Gunners made fairly easy work of a weakened West Ham side far more concerned with their Premier League fate.
It was not all good news for Arsenal, however, with Olivier Giroud and Francis Coquelin both forced off through injury.
James Olley was in attendance at Emirates Stadium to assess the key talking points...
Ticketing issue bigger than just Arsenal
Arsenal are often chastised for declaring their attendance in terms of ‘tickets sold’ rather than fans through the turnstiles on the night but with this game not included in the season ticket cup allocation, the official number was always likely to be well below the 60,000 capacity.
As it was, 44,741 tickets were sold and in fairness to the Gunners, Islington council rejected an application to put the remainder on general sale amid segregation concerns following the farcical scenes when Cologne visited north London in September.
Thousands of fans gained access to the home end and the fear was more than West Ham’s allocation of 7,000 would try to gain entry.
The game’s proximity to Christmas – and in midweek either side of two Premier League home matches – in addition to the prospect of watching a weakened line-up are all mitigating factors but there is also still work for Arsenal to do in making their Ticket Exchange programme more effective.
Wilshere graduates from the second string
Aaron Ramsey’s hamstring injury has given Jack Wilshere the chance of an extended run in Arsenal’s Premier League team and the promising start he has made to that task earned him a night off here.
Wilshere is highly likely to feature against Liverpool on Friday night after not even making the bench against West Ham, a move which felt like a promotion given the presence of the majority of his Europa League team-mates in Wenger’s starting line-up.
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With contract talks due before the end of the month, Wilshere’s ascent is very timely. Finally, after months of frustration, the 25-year-old may feel he is making tangible progress.
Welbeck takes a step to getting his season back on track
It was a dreadfully scruffy goal – converted via his shin from inside the six-yard box – but Danny Welbeck’s 42nd-minute opener was his first since scoring twice against Bournemouth on September 9.
Welbeck started the first five League games of the campaign before a groin injury ruled him out of 11 of the next 12 matches in all competitions.
He faces stern competition to get into Arsenal’s best side but his goalscoring contribution here was a useful reminder to Wenger ahead of a busy festive period. Olivier Giroud’s late withdrawal with a hamstring problem will only enhance his prospects of regular action, as will a two-legged semi-final in the EFL Cup.
Moyes loses some momentum
West Ham’s new manager clearly prioritised Premier League survival – that much was clear from his weakened line-up – but after wins against Chelsea and Stoke either side of last week’s spirited draw against Arsenal – defeat here checks their momentum somewhat ahead of the Christmas programme.
The frustration among the Hammers’ travelling contingent over their lack of adventure was obvious; Aaron Cresswell fired a free-kick wide midway through the first half, to which the away supporters sarcastically chanted in response: “We’ve had a shot…”
Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho were introduced moments later for the final 25 minutes as Moyes belatedly injected some attacking intent but in truth they never looked like getting back into it. That said, win on Saturday against Newcastle and the approach will be somewhat vindicated.
Hart struggles to take his chance
He could not be faulted for Arsenal’s goal but the questionable decision-making that prompted Moyes to drop Joe Hart for the last four League games reared itself again late on here.
The 30-year-old initially hesitated before rushing out to meet Welbeck but only proceeded to bring him down.
It was blind luck that ensured he only gave away a free-kick rather than a penalty and although the resulting set-piece came to nothing, it was a careless moment that will only help Adrian keep his place against Newcastle