So much for bogey teams. In a week they have banished the demons of their poor recent record at Newcastle and here against Olympiakos, it was West Ham’s turn to feel the force of a resurgent Arsenal as they went to the top of the Premier League after Liverpool suffered a second straight defeat.
Other than the concerning sight of first Martin Ødegaard and then Declan Rice, scorer of the first goal, having to be replaced because of injuries, this was a most satisfying afternoon for Mikel Arteta on his 300th match in charge. While 16% of Arsenal’s goals under the Spaniard have come from set pieces – a figure surpassed only by Tony Pulis and Sam Allardyce of those who have managed that many games in the Premier League – they showed they are still capable of breaking down teams who come to defend with a low block as well.
West Ham, who had won onpast two trips here, initially put up a fight under their new manager, Nuno Espírito Santo, but were not able to respond after falling behind to the outstanding Rice against his former club. The England midfielder asked to be substituted in the second half clutching his back after the equally influential Bukayo Saka had made sure of the points with a penalty.
