PREMIER LEAGUE: Arsenal leapfrog Liverpool after a 2-0 against West Ham

The Gunners put in a formidable display against West Ham, with goals from Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.

In previous visits to the Emirates Stadium, West Ham have managed to overcome Arsenal and even pick up clean sheets, but history could not repeat itself – with former captain Declan Rice ripping up the script.

The deadlock was broken shortly before the half-time whistle, with Rice capitalising on the rebound of Eze’s powerful shot that Areola could only as much as palm away. It was a cool finish that brought the goal that Arsenal certainly deserved after a dominant first half. The Gunners had 15 shots in the entirety of the opening half (with 4 of those being on target) compared to the Hammers’ 2 shots that failed to hit the target.

However, it was only a near-perfect 1^st half, as Martin Odegaard was forced off with an injury which is now confirmed to be an issue with his MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament).

Arsenal managed to extend their lead after 20-year-old Malick Diouf clumsily barged into Jurrien Timber in the box, allowing Bukayo Saka to step up and convert the penalty into the bottom-right corner.

It was smooth sailing to the victory from there, with the game finishing 2-0. Arsenal will no doubt be overjoyed with this result, as it has fired them to the top of the table after Liverpool failed to beat Chelsea in the later kick off on Saturday, but despite that, they will be hopeful that the injuries of players who were forced off are not too serious.

For Nuno Espirito Santo, this game highlighted the attacking issues within his side, as his team failed to register a shot on target throughout the entire game. The East London side are sat in 19^th place – with fans wondering when the turnaround will come along.

After the international break, West Ham host Brentford on Monday Night Football, whilst Arsenal face Fulham on Saturday 18^th October, with both games live on Sky Sports.