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Player ratings: Arsenal 2-0 West Ham: Rice sends Gunners top

By on October 4, 2025

Arsenal climbed to the top of the Premier League table, at least temporarily, after a solid 2-0 victory against West Ham United.

The result puts them ahead of Liverpool, who still have a game in hand against Chelsea – which is stuck at 1-1 at the time of writing.

The Gunners created several scoring chances but were unable to make the most of them.

Goals from Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were enough to secure all three points as Mikel Arteta’s side headed into the international break on a high.

Arsenal started the match with purpose, dominating possession and putting West Ham under pressure early on.

Jurrien Timber almost gave them an early lead when his powerful shot forced Alphonse Areola into a fine save.

The breakthrough came in the first half when Eberechi Eze’s effort rebounded into Declan Rice’s path.

The midfielder calmly finished against his former club to give Arsenal a deserved lead.

Saka doubled the advantage midway through the second half, converting from the penalty spot after Timber was brought down in the box.

Arteta’s men maintained their control for most of the game.

Although they could have added more goals, their composure and structure ensured a comfortable win at the London Stadium.

Player performances and key moments

David Raya (6/10):

Looked shaky at the start, missing an early cross, but was largely untested afterwards.

Jurrien Timber (8/10):

Outstanding down the right flank. Pushed forward with intent and earned the penalty that led to the second goal.

William Saliba (7/10):

Composed in defence and confident on the ball, making several neat forward passes.

Gabriel Magalhães (7/10):

Reliable at the back, strong in duels, and contributed to the clean sheet.

Riccardo Calafiori (7/10):

Energetic performance. Joined attacks regularly and struck the post with a fierce long-range effort.

Declan Rice (8/10):

Scored the opener and ran the midfield throughout. Clearly motivated against his old side.

Martin Ødegaard (5/10):

Forced off early with a knee injury after an awkward collision, leaving the pitch visibly upset.

Eberechi Eze (7/10):

Missed an early chance but made up for it with an assist for Rice. Impressive link-up play before being replaced.

Bukayo Saka (7.5/10):

Marked his 200th Premier League appearance with a calm penalty finish. Looked sharp and confident throughout.

Victor Gyökeres (6/10):

Worked tirelessly but found it difficult to trouble the West Ham defence.

Leandro Trossard (6.5/10):

Linked play neatly and created openings. Always involved and showed good decision-making in the final third.

Substitutes:

Martin Zubimendi (7/10)

made an instant impact after replacing Ødegaard, playing the pass that led to the opening goal.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (6/10) and Ethan Nwaneri (6/10)

came on to help control the closing stages.

Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli featured late, helping the team see out the win.

Arsenal’s victory sees them go into the international break in a strong position, having extended their unbeaten run and claimed another clean sheet.