Arsenal surge to the summit with a clean 2-0 win over West Ham at the Emirates
4 octobre 2025
Match Highlights
Arsenal delivered a straightforward 2-0 victory over West Ham United at the Emirates in this Week 7 Premier League clash, combining discipline with moments of clinical finishing. The opener arrived in the 38th minute as Declan Rice followed a rebound to slot home, and the lead was doubled in the 67th-minute when Bukayo Saka converted from the penalty spot after a foul in the box.
With the win, Arsenal climb to the summit on 16 points, while West Ham sink to 4 points, lingering near the bottom of the table. The day’s results could still reshape the top of the league depending on later fixtures, especially if Liverpool stumble against Chelsea. The Gunners also hold a clear edge on goal difference, sitting 11 goals ahead of Liverpool’s tally.
In the build-up, Mikel Arteta listed a familiar XI for Arsenal, with David Raya in goal and Martin Ødegaard orchestrating play before a first-half substitution in the 30th minute for Martin Zubimendi due to a minor issue. West Ham pressed to respond, but Arsenal’s defense and quick forays forward kept them on the front foot throughout the first half.
After the break, Arsenal continued to dominate. Rice delivered a cross that almost yielded a third, while Saka’s spot kick sealed the win. A late corner produced a chance that was scrambled clear by the visitors’ defense, leaving the scoreline at 2-0 as the final whistle approached. The match offered moments of quality from both sides, but the Gunners’ efficiency in both boxes decided the outcome.
Lineups
Arteta set his team up with David Raya in goal and recognized faces across the spine, while West Ham lined up under their usual plans, with stakeholders at both ends hoping to turn the corner as the season progresses. Arsenal pressed high, made the most of their chances, and rarely allowed West Ham to settle into a rhythm.
Arsenal’s control and key moments
From the outset, Arsenal looked the more cohesive side, fashioning chances and defending with discipline. Early attempts set the tone, with a string of blocks and clearances keeping West Ham at bay. Midway through the half, a notable stoppage allowed Arsenal to reorganize after Ødegaard’s temporary departure, and the team regrouped to push for the breakthrough before halftime.
The second half saw Arsenal extend their lead through Saka’s penalty after a foul in the box, while the visitors searched for a response. A late flurry of activity produced chances but no further goals, leaving Arsenal with a clean sheet and three valuable points.
Head-to-Head context
Arsenal and West Ham have a long-standing rivalry that reflects London’s footballing diversity. They first met in 1923, and since then the fixtures have been characterized by intensity and tradition. Arsenal holds a historically clear edge, helped by their sustained consistency over the decades.
In Premier League meetings, Arsenal has dominated the fixture, with a tally of 39 wins in 60 clashes against the Hammers, while West Ham have edged ahead in only 10, with 11 draws to boot. The latest result reinforces Arsenal’s position as the more prolific side in recent times, at least in league play.
As the season progresses, these encounters remain a barometer of form and rekindle the classic North London-London rivalry that fans love to debate over post-match analysis.
Arsenal’s performance in this match reinforces their early-season confidence, and the team will hope to carry this momentum into upcoming fixtures as they chase consistency and silverware.
