Arsenal climbed to the top of the Premier League table on Saturday after a 2-0 victory over West Ham at the Emirates Stadium, while Manchester United gave under-pressure manager Ruben Amorim a much-needed boost with a win by the same scoreline against Sunderland.
The game marked Mikel Arteta’s 300th match in charge of Arsenal, and his side showed their quality once again against a struggling West Ham side. Goals from Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka sealed the win, keeping the Gunners’ title hopes alive as they chase their first league crown in 22 years.
However, there was a concern for Arsenal as captain Martin Ødegaard was forced off with an injury before half-time — the third time this season he has been sidelined. Despite that setback, Arteta’s squad depth once again proved crucial.
Rice, facing his former club, broke the deadlock with a powerful finish after West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola parried Eberechi Eze’s shot. Saka later made it 2–0 from the penalty spot after Jurrien Timber was fouled in the box by El Hadji Malick Diouf.
The result puts Arsenal one point ahead of Liverpool, who play later at Chelsea, while West Ham remain in the relegation zone.
Relief for Amorim at Old Trafford
At Old Trafford, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim finally had something to smile about after a run of poor results. His side earned a convincing 2–0 win over newly promoted Sunderland, easing some of the pressure on the Portuguese coach.
Before kick-off, the stadium observed a minute of silence in honour of the victims of a recent terror attack on a Manchester synagogue.
Amorim’s bold team selection paid off, with debutant goalkeeper Senne Lammens keeping a clean sheet and Mason Mount rewarding his manager’s faith by scoring the opener in the eighth minute from Bryan Mbeumo’s cross.
Bruno Fernandes nearly doubled the lead when his shot hit the woodwork, before Benjamin Šeško made it 2–0 with a close-range finish — his first goal at Old Trafford since joining from RB Leipzig for £74 million.
Sunderland thought they had a lifeline just before halftime when they were awarded a penalty, but VAR overturned the decision after replays showed minimal contact.
The loss ended Sunderland’s four-game unbeaten streak and brought them back down to earth after an impressive start to their Premier League return.
Elsewhere in the Premier League
Tottenham continued their fine form under Thomas Frank, defeating Leeds 2–1 at Elland Road to end the hosts’ year-long unbeaten home run. Mohammed Kudus grabbed his first goal for Spurs to seal the win after Noah Okafor had cancelled out Mathys Tel’s early strike.
“That feeling of getting over the line and taking three points was massive,” said Frank, whose side now sits third in the table.
Liverpool will have a chance to reclaim top spot later on Saturday when they face Chelsea ,another side desperate for a win after three Premier League games without victory. The reigning champions, meanwhile, have lost their last two matches in all competitions, including a Champions League defeat to Galatasaray.
