Rice and Saka Goals Send Arsenal to the Premier League Summit

London, October 4, 2025 – Arsenal secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over London rivals West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon, with goals from former Hammer Declan Rice and a penalty from Bukayo Saka, which propelled the Gunners to the top of the Premier League table.

The win provided a fitting celebration for manager Mikel Arteta in his 300th match in charge of the club, but the afternoon was also marred by concerning injuries to both captain Martin Ødegaard and opening goalscorer Declan Rice.

Rice Haunts Former Club

The breakthrough arrived in the 37th minute and was inevitably delivered by the man who knows the opposition best. After a surging run and shot from Eberechi Eze was parried by West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, Declan Rice was on hand to calmly slot home the rebound against his former club. The emotional goal, Rice's second against the Hammers as a Gunner, was a moment of class that capped a dominant first-half performance from Arsenal.

Saka Seals the Points on Milestone Appearance

Arsenal continued to press after the break and were eventually rewarded midway through the second half. In the 66th minute, Jurrien Timber was bundled over in the box by West Ham defender El Hadji Malick Diouf, and the referee immediately pointed to the spot.

Bukayo Saka stepped up and made no mistake, sending Areola the wrong way to double Arsenal's lead. The goal was a monumental one for the England winger, marking his 200th Premier League appearance and his 100th goal involvement in the competition. At 24 years and 29 days old, he became one of the youngest players in Premier League history to reach the century milestone for goals and assists.

Injury Concerns Overshadow the Victory

While the result was a huge positive, the home crowd was left with two major worries as two key players were forced off due to injury. Captain Martin Ødegaard had to be substituted in the first half after a knock to the knee, and a seemingly influential Declan Rice also had to leave the field in the later stages with what appeared to be a back issue. Substitutes Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Merino seamlessly took their places, ensuring the team maintained control to the final whistle.

The victory, Arsenal's fourth straight in all competitions, temporarily lifts them to the Premier League's top spot, putting the pressure firmly on Liverpool, who are scheduled to face Chelsea later in the day. For West Ham, the defeat leaves them languishing in the relegation zone after seven matches.