Rice and Saka fire Arsenal to top of Premier League | OneFootball

Arsenal moved to the top of the Premier League with a convincing 2-0 victory over West Ham at the Emirates Stadium, thanks to first-half goal from Declan Rice and a second-half penalty from Bukayo Saka.

The Gunners started strongly, quickly asserting control despite a bright early chance for the visitors when Niclas Füllkrug headed over from close range.

Arsenal’s attacking intent was clear from the off, with Jurrien Timber, Eberechi Eze and Saka all causing problems for the Hammers’ defence, though a series of early opportunities went narrowly wide or were well blocked.

The north London side were dealt a setback when captain Martin Odegaard limped off early for the third consecutive Premier League home game, replaced by Martin Zubimendi.

Rice, meanwhile, pushed into a more advanced role and soon made his mark. After Eze’s shot was saved by Alphonse Areola, the former West Ham midfielder was quickest to react and slotted home the rebound seven minutes before half-time -his first goal of the season and a professional finish he didn’t celebrate against his old club.

The second half saw Arsenal continue to dominate possession and chances. Saka, in particular, looked dangerous down the right, while Arsenal’s attacking trio created repeated openings for Viktor Gyökeres and Timber.

After persistent pressure, Arsenal finally doubled their lead in the 67th minute. Zubimendi’s precise pass released Timber in the box, and when he was brought down by El Hadji Malick Diouf, Saka calmly converted from the penalty spot. The goal marked the winger’s 200th Premier League appearance and his 100th direct involvement (55 goals, 45 assists) in the competition.

With a two-goal cushion, Arteta rotated his squad, introducing Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino, while Rice and Eze were substituted off after showing tire under the intensity of the game.

The Hammers threatened sporadically with set-pieces, but David Raya was largely untroubled, keeping his fourth clean sheet of the Premier League season.

The victory lifts Arsenal temporarily above Liverpool at the summit of the table ahead of the Reds’ game against Chelsea later on Saturday. It also marked a personal milestone for Mikel Arteta, who oversaw his 300th match in charge of the club - a fine way to celebrate the occasion with a dominant win at the Emirates.

Incidents: The story of the match

Arsenal Official Line-ups:

David Raya, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze, Leandro Trossard

West Ham Official Line-ups:

Alphonse Aréola, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Max Kilman, Kostas Mavropanos, El Hadji Diouf, Soungoutou Magassa, Lucas Paquetá, Mateus Fernandes, Jarrod Bowen, Crys Summerville, Niclas Füllkrug

1':

Missed opportunity! Niclas Füllkrug of West Ham United attempted a header from close range, but it sailed over the bar. The chance was set up by Lucas Paquetá, who delivered a cross following a corner kick.

1':

Missed opportunity! Niclas Füllkrug of West Ham United headed the ball from close range, but it sails over the bar. The assist came from Lucas Paquetá, who delivered a cross following a corner kick.

1':

The match begins

5':

Missed opportunity! Jurriën Timber from Arsenal took a right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area, but it went wide to the left.

13':

Opportunity wasted. Eberechi Eze from Arsenal takes a right-footed shot from the middle of the penalty area, but it sails over the bar.

33':

Opportunity wasted. Viktor Gyökeres of Arsenal attempted a header from close range but couldn't convert.

Arsenal takes the lead with a score of 1-0 against West Ham United. Declan Rice scores with a powerful right-footed shot from the center of the box, sending the ball into the top middle of the net.

38':

GOAL Arsenal: Declan Rice (Arsenal) scores!

Declan Rice scores goal number 1 in the competition (7 matches) Declan Rice scores goal number 18 for his team (114 matches)

Arsenal leads 2-0 against West Ham United. Bukayo Saka steps up and successfully converts the penalty, striking it with his left foot into the bottom right corner.

67':

GOALArsenal: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) scores penalty-kick!

Bukayo Saka scores goal number 2 in the competition (5 matches) Bukayo Saka scores goal number 74 for his team (271 matches)

Arsenal leads 2-0 against West Ham United. Bukayo Saka steps up to take the penalty and skillfully places a left-footed shot into the bottom right corner.

90 +2':

Opportunity wasted. Callum Marshall of West Ham United headed the ball from close range, but it sailed over the bar. The assist came from Lucas Paquetá, who delivered a cross following a corner kick.

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match