Arsenal Keep Title Charge on Track with Dominant Win Over West Ham
Arsenal’s Premier League title pursuit stayed firmly on course on Saturday afternoon as the Gunners eased to a comfortable 2-0 win over a struggling West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite the gulf in form and confidence between the two sides, some fans feared a repeat of past frustrations — especially after Graham Potter’s side managed to beat Mikel Arteta’s men last season.
This time, however, there was no room for error. Declan Rice, once again haunting his former club, and Bukayo Saka provided the decisive goals as Arsenal claimed another assured victory.
The England internationals remain the heartbeat of Arteta’s team — but a new contender is quietly emerging as the Gunners’ most reliable performer.
Rice and Saka Lead the Way
Ahead of kickoff, Arteta smiled as he recalled using a young Saka as a makeshift left-back years ago. Saturday’s clash marked a milestone moment — the Hale End graduate’s 200th Premier League appearance for Arsenal.
Even back then, Saka’s talent was undeniable. Today, he’s a world-class winger — relentless, fearless, and decisive. After his fine strike against Olympiakos in midweek, the 24-year-old got on the scoresheet again, coolly converting from the penalty spot to seal the win.
That goal followed Rice’s thunderous first-half strike, pouncing on a rebound to score against his old teammates — his 17th goal for Arsenal in just 113 appearances, compared to 15 in 245 for West Ham.
Beyond the goal, Rice’s overall display was outstanding. His driving runs, intelligent positioning, and passing range dictated the game. According to Sofascore, he made three key passes, one more than Saka, underlining his growing influence in Arsenal’s midfield.
Jurrien Timber – Arsenal’s Early Player of the Season?
While minor injuries have slightly slowed Saka’s rhythm and Rice only just opened his goal account, one player has quietly delivered excellence week after week — Jurrien Timber.
The Dutchman won the penalty that led to Saka’s goal and impressed again down the right flank, registering 72 touches, creating a key chance, and contributing to the buildup for Ricardo Calafiori’s goal just before halftime.
Timber’s energy, versatility, and balance between defence and attack have seen him displace Ben White at right-back. He was once again immense defensively — winning eight duels and completing six tackles — embodying Arsenal’s hard-nosed defensive ethos.
Reports suggest the club is eager to extend his contract, following William Saliba’s renewal — a testament to his impact.
Evening Standard’s Simon Collings handed Timber an 8/10 rating, calling it another “top performance” from the £38 million signing. Podcaster Adam Keys echoed that praise, saying Timber has “quietly become one of Arsenal’s most important players.”
At just 23, the Netherlands international looks like a leading contender for Arsenal’s Player of the Season — a tireless, intelligent performer who’s turning consistency into class.
