Player ratings from Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over West Ham United
Arsenal cruised to a 2-0 win over West Ham United at Emirates Stadium in the Premier League. reports for Vavel.
Former Hammers’ captain Declan Rice opened the scoring as he fired into an empty net from inside the box before Bukayo Saka sealed the victory with a penalty on his 200th appearance for the club.
The Gunners now head into an international break and will hope to continue their fine form that has seen them keep within touching distance of last season’s champions, Liverpool.
Arsenal
David Raya – 7
Raya was largely untroubled by West Ham as the Hammers struggled to really threaten Arsenal. Again, it is another clean sheet for the Spaniard, who is on course to win a third successive Golden Glove.
Jurrien Timber – 8
One of the standout players on a blustery afternoon in North London. The Gunners’ right back made six tackles and won eight duels against a West Ham left-hand side that has been one of their few bright sparks this season.
William Saliba – 7
It was another solid display from Saliba, who, much like the rest of Arsenal’s defence, was largely untroubled.
Gabriel Magalhães – 7
Rarely put a foot wrong and prevented West Ham’s attackers from having a sniff of the ball.
Riccardo Calafiori – 7
The Italian would have been aware that Myles Lewis-Skelly put in a great performance in the week, but responded with a solid display of his own. He will probably feel he should have scored after hitting the post with a ranged effort on the stroke of half-time.
Martin Ødegaard – 6
Ødegaard became the first player in Premier League history to be substituted in the first half of three consecutive home games. His injury record has become a real concern, especially as he was influential in his spell on the pitch.
Declan Rice – 8
A goal against his former club capped off what was a dominant midfield performance back in his usual defensive role.
Eberechi Eze – 7
Arteta’s gamble to start with two attacking midfielders was not really put to the test due to Odegaard’s injury, but Eze was solid nonetheless. Should have scored early on as he put the ball over from around six yards out.
Bukayo Saka – 8
Saka has been a consistent performer through the good and the bad at Arsenal and capped off his 200th appearance with a goal in front of the Emirates crowd. He also caused West Ham a number of problems with his pace and trickery.
Viktor Gyökeres – 6
The Swedish striker has gone on a barren run at the moment and probably should have done better on occasions. Could have had his goal from the penalty, but it was only fitting for Saka to score.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Trossard was not as effective as against Olympiacos in the week, but still caused problems.
Substitutes:
Martin Zubimendi – 8
Changed the game when he replaced Odegaard. A lovely threaded pass into Eze allowed the Gunners to open the scoring as Rice pounced on the rebound. It is easy to see why the Spaniard was courted by Liverpool and Real Madrid.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6
Showed brief glimpses of quality in an already won game.
Ethan Nwaneri – 6
Could have grabbed an assist if Gyökeres had been able to turn inside a crowded box.
