Arsenal defeated West Ham 2-0 to temporarily claim the top spot in the Premier League, thanks to a goal from Declan Rice and a penalty from Bukayo Saka. 

However, the joy was cut short by injury concerns, as both captain Martin Odegaard (knee) and Rice (back pain) had to leave the game early, which manager Mikel Arteta called “unusual.” 

On a positive note, 24-year-old Saka’s goal on his 200th Premier League appearance also saw him reach the milestone of 100 goal involvements for the club, highlighting his incredible consistency amidst the team’s ongoing injury struggles.

The match saw Arsenal dictate the tempo, with West Ham’s struggles continuing as they registered zero shots on target and remained near the foot of the table. 

The deadlock was broken in the 38th minute when Declan Rice scored his first goal of the season against his former club. 

Following a shot from Eberechi Eze that was saved, Rice reacted quickly to slot home the rebound. 

Despite some jeers from the traveling West Ham support, the goal underscored his vital role in the Arsenal midfield.

The second goal arrived in the 67th minute from the penalty spot. 

After Jurrien Timber was fouled in the box, academy star Bukayo Saka coolly dispatched the penalty, sealing the 2-0 scoreline.

However, the three points came at a high cost. 

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was forced off in the 30th minute after a knee-on-knee clash with West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville. 

The Norwegian midfielder, who has recently struggled with a recurring shoulder issue, was replaced by Martin Zubimendi. 

This substitution marked an unwanted Premier League record for Odegaard, who became the first player in the league’s history to be withdrawn before halftime in three consecutive starts.

Midfield engine Declan Rice also had to be replaced late in the game, limping off in the 79th minute with lower back pain. 

Manager Mikel Arteta expressed his concern after the match, stating, “He’s not alright because he asked me to come off… we’ll have to assess him.”

In contrast to the injury concerns, the match was a moment of triumph for Bukayo Saka. 

The penalty kick not only secured the victory but also marked his 200th Premier League appearance for the club. 

Furthermore, the goal was his 100th Premier League goal involvement for Arsenal, comprised of 55 goals and 45 assists. 

At just 24 years and 29 days old, he is the sixth-youngest player to reach 200 league games for the club and joined the legendary Thierry Henry as the only two Arsenal players to score on their 200th league appearance.

Saka’s continued importance is highlighted by his consistent output, averaging a goal or assist every two games across his Premier League career. 

His performance was a beacon of consistency amidst the team’s early-season injury struggles, which include long-term absentees such as Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Noni Madueke.

The victory also represented a personal landmark for Mikel Arteta, who celebrated his 300th game in charge of Arsenal. 

The Basque coach praised his team’s performance and the contribution of his substitutes, including Martin Zubimendi and teenager Ethan Nwaneri, whose late introductions helped close out the game. 

“We dominated and fully deserved to win,” Arteta commented, acknowledging the squad depth needed to manage the demanding schedule and injury woes.

For West Ham, manager Nuno Espirito Santo admitted, “That was not a good performance… We were facing a good team.” 

The Hammers, stuck on four points, face a tough task to recover their form after the international break.

Arsenal, currently top of the table, now enters the international window hoping the medical team can provide positive news on Odegaard’s knee and Rice’s back. 

With a strong start to the season—unbeaten in their last six matches—the Gunners will need their full complement of players back soon to maintain their title challenge and compete in the UEFA Champions League.