Arsenal moved to the top of the Premier League with a confident 2-0 victory over West Ham at the Emirates Stadium, thanks to goals from Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.
Rice opened the scoring in the first half, finishing smartly after Eberechi Eze’s shot was parried by Alphonse Areola. The former West Ham captain, who was jeered by the travelling fans, later left the pitch with back pain in the closing stages, while Martin Ødegaard was also forced off earlier in the game — the third consecutive home match in which the Arsenal captain has had to be withdrawn.
Despite the injury setbacks, Mikel Arteta’s side dominated throughout, with West Ham limited to long-range efforts. Saka doubled the lead from the penalty spot after Jurrien Timber was brought down by El Hadji Malick Diouf. The goal marked Saka’s 55th in the Premier League on his 200th appearance, continuing his excellent form.
Arteta had named an ambitious midfield trio of Rice, Ødegaard, and Eze, part of a refreshed lineup following a £250m summer spend. Although that midfield was disrupted by injury, the Gunners remained in control, extending their strong start to the season, having lost just once so far.
The result puts Arsenal ahead of Liverpool at the top of the table, at least until the Reds face Chelsea later on Saturday.
