Arsenal secured a comfortable 2-0 home victory over West Ham, a win that saw midfielder Declan Rice score against his former club and extended new Hammers manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s wait for a first win. The result, which marked Mikel Arteta’s 300th match in charge, was a much-needed confidence boost for the Gunners.
The match began with a bold, attacking lineup from Arteta, featuring a midfield trio of Martin Odegaard, Rice, and new signing Eberechi Eze. Despite this aggressive approach, the Gunners were given an early scare when Niclas Fullkrug headed wide just a minute into the game. Arsenal soon found their rhythm, with Eze missing a glorious opportunity and Jurriën Timber being denied by a quick save.
The momentum shifted when Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, was forced off with an injury after just 29 minutes, adding to the club’s growing list of fitness concerns. However, his replacement, Martin Zubimendi, played a key role in the opening goal. His pass to Eze led to a shot that was parried by the keeper, allowing Declan Rice to pounce and fire a powerful shot into the roof of the net. The former West Ham captain kept his celebration subdued, but a knowing glance toward the away end spoke volumes.
Arsenal sealed the victory in the second half when Bukayo Saka converted a penalty, awarded after a foul on Timber. The win puts a stop to the Hammers’ recent success at the Emirates and leaves them in the relegation zone after their fifth league loss of the campaign.
While Arteta celebrated the milestone win, concerns remain over the fitness of Odegaard and the continued goal drought of striker Viktor Gyökeres, who has now gone six games without a goal. However, the three points and a clean sheet provide a solid foundation for Arsenal heading into the international break.
