Arsenal cruised past West Ham United with a 2–0 victory in a heated London derby at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Goals from Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka sealed the win, as the Gunners climbed to the top of the Premier League. The win followed a week of tactical focus from Mikel Arteta, whose careful planning and preparations for his 300th game were highlighted by Softfootball.
The match carried extra emotion as Rice faced his former side for the third time since leaving in 2023. Booed throughout by the travelling Hammers, the midfielder silenced the jeers with a composed first-half finish after Alphonse Areola palmed away Eze’s stinging strike. His muted celebration showed respect, but the moment still stung West Ham fans.
Bukayo Saka later doubled the lead from the spot after Jurrien Timber was fouled, marking his 100th Premier League goal involvement (55 goals, 45 assists). The achievement placed him among Arsenal’s youngest ever to reach the milestone, continuing his fine form after his Champions League strike against Olympiacos as reported by Softfootball.
On X, Arsenal fans were buzzing. @EdiriQX wrote:
We are at the top. We are Arsenal.
@BritInUSofA added:
Sad for Odegaard but 100 goals and assists in 200 Premier League games. Saka is some talent.
Meanwhile, @babalawobabs had tactical concerns, saying:
We’re not creating enough chances. Still reliant on set pieces. Nwaneri should’ve come on for Ødegaard.
West Ham fans, however, were left disappointed. @reviewsdino2 said:
Nuno can only do so much with the players we have. Most of us knew we needed a decent striker during the transfer window, except for the ones who own this club.
@cockneyboywhu vented:
That was dreadful—10 men for 60 minutes because of that big lanky fool upfront.
@cowben_like_me summed it up bluntly:
Gonna need to shoot on target if you want to score lads.
Arsenal posted on their official X account the highlights of their London derby victory as they head into the break in style.
Watch video below:
With 2.73 xG to West Ham’s 0.49, Arsenal’s control was clear. The Gunners ended the match top of the table, while Nuno Espírito Santo’s men remain struggling in the relegation zone, continuing the frustration that’s lingered since his debut draw against Everton as reported by Softfootball.
