Three things we learned as Arsenal beat West Ham at the Emirates

Arsenal’s 2-0 win over West Ham at the Emirates was a night of contrasting emotions. The Gunners delivered a dominant performance to rise to the top of the Premier League table for the first time this season, yet it was overshadowed by fresh injury worries for captain Martin Odegaard.

Goals from Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka sealed a fourth straight league victory, but Odegaard’s early withdrawal added to a growing list of frustrating setbacks.

Odegaard has now become the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before half-time in three consecutive league starts. His latest issue, a knee knock sustained in a challenge with Crysencio Summerville, leaves manager Mikel Arteta facing fresh selection dilemmas.

With Arsenal unbeaten since their trip to Anfield and in strong form heading into October, the big question is whether their captain’s absence will slow momentum. Or will the depth and form of Rice and Saka keep the Gunners flying high?

It is a cruel twist of fate for the Arsenal skipper, who has seen his campaign disrupted by repeated injuries. After shoulder problems earlier this season, Odegaard was once again forced off before half-time, this time with a knee issue.

His frustration was clear as he trudged down the tunnel, aware that he had set an unenviable record: the first player ever to be substituted before half-time in three consecutive Premier League starts. For a player who thrives on rhythm and creativity, the stop-start pattern is a nightmare scenario.

Arteta’s tactical gamble was to field Eberechi Eze and Odegaard as advanced No8s, with Rice sitting deeper. The experiment was cut short by Odegaard’s injury, but Rice adapted brilliantly when pushed forward after Martin Zubimendi came on.

The England international not only controlled the tempo but also scored Arsenal’s opener, arriving late in the box to fire home after Eze’s effort was parried. It was a performance full of maturity, silencing West Ham fans who had jeered their former midfielder.

Bukayo Saka has become such a consistent performer that his milestones can slip under the radar. Yet his calmly converted penalty against West Ham carried real significance: it marked his 100th Premier League goal involvement.

With 55 goals and 45 assists, Saka has reached the landmark in just 200 games, making him the seventh-youngest player in league history to do so. He is also only the eighth Arsenal player to achieve it, underlining his place among the club’s modern greats.

FootballPlace analyst John William believes the night encapsulated both Arsenal’s strength and fragility. “They are playing with swagger, with Rice and Saka driving the team. But Odegaard’s recurring injuries are a red flag. Arsenal’s title hopes depend on whether Arteta can find solutions without him.”

He added: “Saka’s achievement at such a young age is extraordinary. He is not just Arsenal’s present but their future leader on the pitch.”

The Gunners now enter a testing stretch where squad depth will be vital. Odegaard’s knee issue will be closely monitored, and his absence could see more responsibility placed on Eze and Zubimendi in the coming weeks.

Arsenal’s next league fixture will be a crucial test of their credentials. Sitting top of the table, every point will matter in the race with Liverpool. The coming weeks could define whether Arteta’s side can sustain a genuine title challenge.

👉 Do you think Arsenal can cope with Odegaard’s absence and still stay top of the Premier League?