Arsenal momentarily moved to the top of the Premier League table as they eased to a 2-0 victory at home against West Ham.
WATCH — Full match replay
After Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard was forced off with an injury in the first half, Declan Rice gave Arsenal the lead. Bukayo Saka added a second from the penalty spot in the second half as the Gunners dominated from start to finish and should have scored four or five.
With the win they move on to 16 points for the season, while West Ham remain on four points and in the relegation zone.
Gunners go top after being brave from the start
Arsenal could not have had an easier win against West Ham and they were rewarded for being very positive with their starting lineup. Eze started instead of Zubimendi in midfield and that meant Arsenal were on the attack from the first minute and then for vast swathes of the game as they sustained attacks and pushed high. West Ham never had any control of this game because Arsenal were so dominant on the ball and pushed high, then they could keep the intensity up off the bench. Even with Odegaard going off with an injury, Arsenal’s squad depth is ridiculous as Zubimendi came on in his place. Arteta and his players won’t be getting carried away with going top of the table (at least for a few hours) but the fact they have lost just once in their opening seven games, and that came via a free kick at Liverpool in a game they could have easily won, is very promising.
What’s next?
After the international break Arsenal head to Fulham on Saturday, October 18. West Ham host Brentford on Monday, October 20.
Arsenal vs West Ham score: 2-0
Rice 38', Saka 67'
Arsenal vs West Ham live updates! — By Joe Prince-Wright
Arsenal pushing hard for a third
A corner finds Merino at the back post but his effort is blocked. Wave after wave of Arsenal attacks. How is it only 2-0 to Arsenal?
Penalty to Arsenal... and Saka scores!
After Diouf fouled Timber as he walked into the box, Arsenal are given a penalty. Saka steps up and slots home. Arsenal finally get a deserved second and that should be that.
Half time: Arsenal 1-0 West Ham
A dominant first half from Arsenal as Rice’s goal is the difference but it should be a lot more. West Ham just haven’t been in this game at all. The only negative in that first half for Arsenal was the injury to Martin Odegaard.
Calafiori’s shot hits the post!
So close to a second for Arsenal as Calafiori’s shot hits the post, hits Areola’s back and West Ham clear.
Rice smashes home!
That was coming. Arsenal’s pressure finally pays off and after more fine play down the right, Eze is found and his shot is pushed away. But Declan Rice is there to control his effort into the net. That is a fine finish from the England international against his former club. A deserved lead for the Gunners.
Odegaard is off with an injury, and Zubimendi is on
Oh no. Not again. Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard is off injured once again and Zubimendi is on in his place. Odegaard’s awful luck with injuries continue.
Saka scores… but he’s offside
Lovely ball from Rice over the top but Saka is offside. He tucks it away but it won’t count.
Eze somehow smashes over from close range
Oh my word. How did that not go in? After an almighty scramble in the box, the ball drops to Eze but somehow he smashes it way over the bar from eight yards out. He can’t believe it. Arsenal should be 1-0 up.
Timber’s effort is blocked
Arsenal have woken up a bit and Jurrien Timber is in down the right but his effort is blocked. The Gunners fans are getting behind their team. They know how big a win would be before the break.
Fullkurg heads over
Early chance for West Ham but Niclas Fullkrug heads over.
Arsenal lineup
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Rice, Eze; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard
West Ham lineup
Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Diouf; Magassa; Bowen, Fernandes, Paqueta, Summerville; Fullkrug
Arsenal team news, focus
The Gunners’ defensive depth is excellent now, as Cristhian Mosquera has proven a perfect addition to the center back corps. Arsenal are so deep and the only thing standing in their way are their demons. This is all about mentality.
OUT: Piero Hincapie (groin), Noni Madueke (knee), Kai Havertz (knee - MORE), Gabriel Jesus (knee)
West Ham United team news, focus
Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen remain difference makers and it shouldn’t be long before Jean-Clair Todibo finds his way back into the XI. West Ham should improve in time at the back and up top, but do they have the midfield difference makers to hang in games like this?
OUT: Tomas Soucek (suspension), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (abdominal)
Arsenal vs West Ham preview
The Gunners’ midweek escapades against Olympiacos aside, Mikel Arteta knows that this is a big Premier League chance as wounded Liverpool face a stiff test from Chelsea later Saturday; The top of the table may be in play not just for hours but the international break.
West Ham are 19th on the table but coming off a draw in Nuno Espirito Santo’s debut as boss after the club fired Graham Potter last week.
The Irons will hope that Arsenal’s fixture congestion and injuries keep them well below their best, as this is a huge ask for West Ham. They were second-best at Everton and it bear out that talent — not the boss — that’s keeping West Ham from success.
Arsenal vs West Ham prediction
Respect to Olympiacos but Arsenal will have worse weeks of congestion on their hands. Arteta should be able to manage control and produce chances, but will his men finish? This feels like a Viktor Gyokeres game. Arsenal 2-0 West Ham.
How to watch Arsenal vs West Ham live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10am ET Saturday
Venue: Emirates Stadium — London
TV Channel: Peacock
Streaming: Stream live on Peacock
