The Premier League title race got a major jolt on Saturday as Arsenal defeated West Ham United 2-0 at the Emirates, a win that temporarily propelled Mikel Arteta’s Gunners to the summit of the table, turning up the heat on rivals Liverpool.
The victory, secured by a cathartic strike from former Hammers captain Declan Rice and a milestone penalty from the prodigious Bukayo Saka, ensures the North London side head into the international break with a commanding momentum.
The match was an exercise in domination for the Gunners, whose relentless pressure eventually broke a resolute but struggling West Ham side under new boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
The opening goal in the 38th minute was an act of poetic justice. After a swift move saw Alphonse Areola parry a powerful shot from Eberechi Eze, the ball fell kindly to Rice.
The midfielder, a club-record signing who left the Hammers in 2023, blasted the rebound high into the net, shrugging off the pressure of facing his former club. He pointedly chose not to celebrate, a respectful gesture that nonetheless announced Arsenal’s clear intent.
The second half brought a significant moment for Arsenal’s ‘Star Boy’, Bukayo Saka. Marking his 200th Premier League appearance for the club, the 24-year-old winger was a constant threat.
He had a goal disallowed for a tight offside call earlier but made his moment count in the 67th minute.
A clumsy foul by West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf on Jurrien Timber inside the box gave Arsenal the penalty. Saka stepped up confidently and slammed the ball home from 12 yards, sending Areola the wrong way.
The goal was a statistical landmark, as it was his 100th Premier League goal involvement (55 goals, 45 assists), making him only the second Arsenal player, after the legendary Thierry Henry, to score on his 200th Premier League appearance for the club.
While the result was a routine win for Arsenal, two injury scares will give Mikel Arteta cause for concern during the international break.
Captain Martin Odegaard was forced off early in the first half with a knee issue, an unwelcome repeat, and Declan Rice also trudged off late in the game. Arsenal will be praying the issues are minor ahead of their clash with Fulham on October 18.
For West Ham, this was always going to be a tough ask in Nuno Espirito Santo’s second match in charge. The visitors sat deep, hoping to hit on the counter, but rarely troubled the Arsenal goal.
Now languishing in 19th place, the Hammers’ focus shifts to more winnable fixtures against Brentford and Leeds United after the break, games that will truly define Nuno’s immediate impact.
Arsenal’s win now puts maximum pressure on Liverpool, who face Chelsea later on Saturday, as the Premier League title chase heats up before the two-week pause.
