Arsenal 2-0 West Ham: Rice and Saka Lift the Gunners Back to the TopBy Dr. (HC) Prachetan Potadar

It was one of those evenings at the Emirates when everything seemed to click. Arsenal, hungry to reclaim their place at the summit, delivered a commanding 2-0 win over West Ham United on October 4, 2025. What stood out wasn’t just the scoreline—it was the spirit, the control, and the quiet confidence of a side determined to make this season their own.

Taking Charge from the First Whistle

Right from kick-off, Arsenal played with intent—sharp passes, quick transitions, and a hunger that echoed through every stand. West Ham tried to make a mark early, with Niclas Füllkrug heading wide, but that was as close as they’d come. The Gunners bossed the game with 72% possession and 18 shots, compared to West Ham’s 3—a clear statement that Arsenal meant business.

Rice’s Poise, Saka’s Milestone

Football has a poetic way of bringing stories full circle. Declan Rice, once the heart of West Ham’s midfield, found the net against his former club in the 38th minute. When Eberechi Eze’s strike was parried, Rice was there—steady, composed, and respectful—slotting it home without a hint of celebration.

Then came the moment every Arsenal fan will remember: Bukayo Saka, on his 200th appearance, confidently tucked away a penalty in the 67th minute after Jurrien Timber was fouled. A milestone marked not by fireworks, but by quiet excellence.

Courage in the Midfield

The heart of Arsenal’s performance lay in their midfield. Rice and Eze were vibrant, full of intent, even as the team dealt with a blow—captain Martin Ødegaard forced off with a knee injury after a collision. His early exit made a strange bit of history—three consecutive starts, three pre-halftime substitutions. Yet in stepped Martin Zubimendi, seamlessly keeping the rhythm alive and playing a key role in the move that led to the penalty.

Defence by Design

Sometimes the best defence is composure. David Raya didn’t have to make a single save—not because West Ham lacked effort, but because Arsenal’s structure left no room for error. Every tackle, every clearance, every interception felt assured. Even with injuries to Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus, the team’s collective focus shone through.

A Milestone for Arteta

For Mikel Arteta, this was more than just another victory—it was his 300th game in charge. A moment to pause and reflect, perhaps, on how far this team has come under his guidance. Calm, composed, and courageous—three words that could just as easily describe both his philosophy and the night’s performance.

Eyes on the Horizon

With 16 points from seven matches, Arsenal now sit proudly at the top, one point ahead of Liverpool. The road ahead includes big fixtures, both in the league and in Europe. But if this night was any indication, Arsenal are ready—not just to compete, but to lead.

About the Author

Dr. (HC) Prachetan Potadar, known affectionately as PenPaperPrachetan, is a media strategist, storyteller, and founder of Stay Featured. With honorary doctorates in Media Management, he’s guided countless brands and changemakers in building narratives rooted in empathy and inclusion.

Beyond the boardroom, he’s a footballer at heart (jersey #24), who believes every match tells a story—of grit, grace, and growth. As a TEDx advisor and global speaker, his voice has resonated across platforms like the G20 Educational Summit and UN-aligned SDG events—where strategy meets soul, and every story finds its purpose.