Arsenal maintained their strong start to the 2025/26 Premier League season with a 2–0 victory over West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, temporarily moving to the top of the table in what marked Mikel Arteta’s 300th game as Arsenal manager.
According to Reuters, the Gunners were in complete control from start to finish, with goals from Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka sealing a routine win over the struggling Hammers.
Rice Nets Against Former Club
Declan Rice gave Arsenal the lead in the 38th minute, capitalizing on a rebound after West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola failed to hold an Eberechi Eze shot. The England international, who spent nine years at West Ham before joining Arsenal, refused to celebrate his goal out of respect for his former team.
Bukayo Saka doubled the advantage from the penalty spot in the 67th minute after Jurrien Timber was fouled inside the box. The winger marked his 200th Premier League appearance with a goal — his 100th direct goal involvement for Arsenal — according to TalkSport.
Injury Concerns For Arteta
The victory was not without setbacks for Arsenal. Captain Martin Ødegaard limped off before halftime with a suspected knee issue, while Declan Rice also appeared to pick up a knock late in the match, as reported by The Short Fuse.
Arteta praised his team’s composure despite the injuries, describing the performance as “professional and controlled.”
Match Statistics: Arsenal vs West Ham
Category Arsenal West Ham
Possession 68% 32%
Total Shots 18 4
Shots on Target 7 0
Pass Accuracy 90% 74%
Corners 9 2
Fouls 8 10
Yellow Cards 1 2
(Source: Premier League Match Centre via Reuters)
League Implications
The win saw Arsenal rise to 16 points from seven matches, overtaking Liverpool at the summit of the Premier League table. West Ham, meanwhile, remain in the relegation zone with four points from seven outings.
The Gunners will next face Brighton & Hove Albion after the international break, while West Ham will look to bounce back at home against Aston Villa.
Final Score: Arsenal 2–0 West Ham United
Goals: Rice (38’), Saka (67’, pen)
Sources: Reuters, TalkSport, The Short Fuse.
