Declan Rice netted his first goal of the campaign before Bukayo Saka added a second as Arsenal eased past West Ham 2–0 in Mikel Arteta’s 300th game in charge.
Arsenal’s strong start to the season continued, with only one defeat so far, and Arteta fielded an attack-minded lineup to maintain that momentum.
The Gunners’ boss opted for a midfield trio of Rice, Martin Ødegaard, and Eberechi Eze, showing off the depth of his squad following a £250 million summer outlay.
However, the plan was disrupted early when Ødegaard was forced off with an injury — the third consecutive Premier League home match in which he’s been withdrawn prematurely.
Rice was pushed further forward after Martin Zubimendi came on, and the former West Ham star capitalized, slotting home after Eze’s shot was parried by Alphonse Areola.
Arsenal controlled proceedings throughout, with West Ham limited to long-range attempts on the counter.
Their dominance paid off again in the second half when Jurrien Timber was fouled by El Hadji Malick Diouf, allowing Saka to confidently bury the resulting penalty into the corner.
The goal marked Saka’s 200th Premier League appearance, taking his tally to 55 goals and 45 assists — an impressive return for the 24-year-old winger.
The result lifts Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table, overtaking Liverpool, who suffered a 2–1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge later in the day.
Meanwhile, Manchester United secured a third consecutive home league win for the first time in two years, defeating Sunderland 2–0 at Old Trafford.
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