Arsenal kept the pressure on title rivals Liverpool with a routine victory over West Ham United on home soil. The visitors went into the match with a strong recent record at the Emirates Stadium, having won their previous two away games against the Gunners. However, their run was brought to an abrupt end on this occasion as the north Londoners earned all three points.
Declan Rice opened the scoring against his old club, turning the ball into an empty net after Eberechi Eze’s shot was parried away. It came just minutes after Martin Odegaard was forced off with another injury in a worrying blow for Arsenal. In the second half, Bukayo Saka added another from the penalty spot before Rice fell victim to an injury of his own and was taken off as a precaution.
Express Sport rates and slates the Arsenal players following today’s victory…
Arsenal player ratings vs West Ham
David Raya – 6
Looked a bit shaky to start with but quickly settled down. A spectator for much of the game with Arsenal dominating possession.
Jurrien Timber – 8
Had a good game at both ends of the pitch, especially in an attacking sense. Another strong performance.
William Saliba – 7
Defended well and helped to start attacks with his progressive passing from deep areas. A solid display.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 6
Did his defensive duties well enough and was rewarded with a clean sheet.
Riccardo Calafiori – 7
Showed little hesitation in bombing forward to involve himself in attacking moves. Hit the post with a thunderous effort from range.
Declan Rice – 8
In the right place to tuck home the opener against his former club. The heartbeat of the team and the best player on the pitch.
Martin Odegaard – 6
Took a heavy knock in the first half and tried to carry on, but was unable to continue. Hopefully nothing too serious.
Eberechi Eze – 7
Missed a golden chance to score an early opener but got the assist for Rice’s close-range strike. Looked lively throughout.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Quiet in the opening 45 minutes but improved in the second half, getting himself more involved in the final third.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Had a decent game and took his penalty well, marking his 200th league appearance with his second goal of the season.
Viktor Gyokeres – 4
Struggled to make any sort of impact. Charged around the pitch a lot but lacked the end product to match. Not good enough.
Substitutes
Martin Zubimendi – 7
Replaced the injured Odegaard on the half-hour mark and started the move which led to the opening goal. A good display.
Ethan Nwaneri – 6
Introduced in the closing stages, replacing Trossard. Looked lively for the duration of his cameo.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6
Came on for the final 15 minutes in place of Calafiori. Did his job to help Arsenal see out the game.
Mikel Merino – n/a
Introduced late on to replace Rice, who appeared to be holding his back when he went off.
Gabriel Martinelli – n/a
Was given a run-out in the closing stages in place of Eze. Arguably should have started instead of Trossard.
