Arsenal’s dominance in London derbies continued with a composed 2-0 victory over West Ham at the Emirates, a result that will further strengthen their top-four ambitions.
West Ham kicked off and looked to play their classic cautious setup under Nuno, sitting deep and hoping to catch Arsenal on the break. But it was the Gunners who took charge early, taking full control of possession and territory. Declan Rice, playing against his former side, was heavily involved from the first whistle and eventually opened the scoring in the 38th minute. After Eze’s strike was parried by Areola, Rice was the calmest in the box and side-footed home a half-volleyed finish into the center of the net. His muted celebration said it all—respect, but no mercy.
Arsenal had already threatened before then. A disallowed goal from Saka after a delightful pass from Rice, a couple of efforts from Timber and Calafiori, and a high defensive line from West Ham that looked destined to be punished. Saka, Eze, and Gyokeres buzzed around the Hammers’ box, finding space despite West Ham’s low block. With 73% possession and an xG of 1.69 at halftime, Arteta’s men had reason to be disappointed they hadn’t scored more. West Ham, by contrast, registered just 0.34 xG and never truly tested Raya.
The main concern for Arsenal in the first half was Martin Ødegaard. The Norwegian captain pulled up around the 20th minute with a knock, tried to shake it off twice, but ultimately limped off to polite applause in the 30th minute. Zubimendi replaced him in midfield, and the tempo remained high. Even with Ødegaard’s absence, Arsenal’s control wasn’t disrupted, showcasing their increasing squad depth.
In the second half, it was more of the same. Arsenal moved the ball, West Ham stayed deep, and possession stayed red. Summerville’s booking in the 58th minute for a foul on Saka summed up West Ham’s growing frustration. The visitors lacked both aggression and creativity, and any hopes of a comeback looked unlikely the moment Freddie Potts came on for Magassa in the 61st minute—more defensive legs, less imagination.
The second goal eventually came. It wasn’t from open play but it didn’t matter. Arsenal’s patience in buildup play stretched West Ham and forced defensive mistakes. Gyokeres won a late penalty and Saka converted with ease to secure all three points.
If there was a standout, it had to be Declan Rice. He was everywhere—dictating the tempo, breaking play, assisting and scoring. Against his former club, he didn’t just play. He controlled. His performance mirrored everything Arsenal fans want from their midfield leader.
Arteta will be pleased. Not just because of the scoreline, but because of the control, the rhythm, and the reaction after losing a key player. West Ham, meanwhile, slumped to their ninth London derby defeat in twelve outings. Another game gone, and more questions to answer.
Arsenal, two. West Ham, none. A performance to remember for Rice. A night to forget for Nuno.
