Arsenal ratings vs West Ham: Declan Rice stars against former club as Viktor Gyokeres anonymous | OneFootball

The Gunners head into the international break on a high, but concerns remain around their star Swede

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

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Arsenal went top of the Premier League by beating West Ham at home.

Declan Rice put the Gunners ahead in the first half and a penalty from Bukayo Saka after the break sealed the win.

The Gunners were worthy 2-0 winners against the Hammers and could have won by more, with Eberechi Eze missing a golden chance to score in the first 15 minutes.

The win means Arsenal are top of the Premier League, although Liverpool could leapfrog them if they beat Chelsea later on Saturday.

Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action...

David Raya 6

Jurrien Timber 8

Another top performance for the right-back, who showed why he is in talks over a new contract. Won the penalty that Saka scored.

William Saliba 7

A classy display from the centre-back, who was not troubled all game. Made a few mazy runs forward, too.

Gabriel 7

Had one hairy moment in the opening minute, but quickly settled down after that. Gave Niclas Fullkrug nothing to feed off.

Riccardo Calafiori 7

Tucked into midfield a lot more than he has done this season, and so saw plenty of the ball. A lively display.

Martin Odegaard 6

The Arsenal captain’s bad luck with injuries continued as he was forced to come off after 30 minutes. Had looked bright before then as well.

Declan Rice 8 | Star player

Started at the base of midfield, however was pushed forward when Odegaard went off. Smashed home the opener and dominated the middle of the park.

Eberechi Eze 7

Missed a glorious chance to open the scoring early on, blazing over from a few yards out. It was his saved shot that allowed Rice to score, though.

Bukayo Saka 8

Created some good chances in the first half and was especially dangerous when running at his opposite man. Cooly slotted his penalty as he hit the landmark of being involved in 100 Premier League goals.

Viktor Gyokeres 5

Came within inches of a goal, but could not get on the end of Rice’s cross. Worked tirelessly, however, he is so clearly desperate to score. Six games without a goal now.

Leandro Trossard 6

Played one brilliant ball in behind the West Ham defence, that almost resulted in a tap-in for Gyokeres. Solid.

Substitutions

Martin Zubimendi (Odegaard 30’) 8

Came on and seamlessly slotted into Arsenal’s midfield. Oozed composure.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (Calafiori 75’) N/A

Ethan Nwaneri (Trossard 75’) N/A

Mikel Merino (Rice 79’) N/A

Gabriel Martinelli (Eze 79’) N/A

Subs not used: Arrizabalaga, White, Mosquera, Norgaard