That was as boring an example of total domination as you’ll ever see on a football pitch. Arsenal out-everything’ed West Ham, wining 2-0, and moving atop the Premier League table pending the outcome of Chelsea-Liverpool. The Gunners were in control from the opening whistle, managed 69% possession (nice), held the Hammers without a shot on target, and coasted to a comfortable win. That’s three points picked up on last season’s total, too. Arsenal owed West Ham one and then some.
Everyone was excited
when the Arsenal lineup was released — we finally were getting to see the Rice-Ødegaard-Eze midfield. Unfortunately, our hopes were dashed early with Ødegaard forced off with what appeared to be a minor knee knock. The captain banged knees with a West Ham player, tried to play through it, but ultimately had to come off. Ødegaard became the first player in Premier League history to be subbed off before halftime in three consecutive starts. He has quite literally had historically bad luck.
He was replaced by Martin Zubimendi, who had an excellent day at the office. It was his pass that put in Ebere Eze, which led to the opening goal. Eze’s shot was well-saved by Alphonse Areola, but the rebound went right to Declan Rice, who scored into an empty net (something that Eze had failed to do about 10 minutes earlier). Zubimendi’s lofted pass to Jurrien Timber led to the fullback being fouled to win the penalty for the Arsenal second, too. More credit for the spot kick belongs to Timber — his control and turn with the ball was magnificent.
Bukayo Saka converted the penalty in style, smashing it into the corner to mark his 200th Premier League appearance for Arsenal with his 100th PL goal involvement. Only six players in history have managed 100 G+A at a younger age than Saka. And he did it while wearing the armband because Ødegaard had come off.
Ødegaard isn’t the only new injury concern heading into the international break for the Gunners. Declan Rice came off in the second half with what appeared to be a back problem suffered in an awkward tumble to the ground. Like the captain, he played on for a bit after picking up the knock but eventually had to come off. Hopefully both players are handled carefully by their national teams and allowed to properly recover during the break.
Injuries aside, there is little to complain about from today. David Raya was a little lost on corners, but he was also not asked to make a single save, so. Arsenal comfortably controlled the match against a dreadful West Ham side. It didn’t matter that the Gunners weren’t firing on all cylinders — they didn’t have to. Second or third gear was more than enough to see off the Hammers. Arsenal are away to Fulham on October 18th coming out of the break.
