Arsenal player ratings vs West Ham: Awesome Declan Rice shows his class as Bukayo Saka banishes ghosts
Arsenal closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to two points thanks to a thumping win over West Ham.
William Saliba opened the scoring after 32 minutes and from there the floodgates opened.
It was 4-0 by half-time after Bukayo Saka scored a penalty, and then Gabriel and Leandro Trossard struck.
The win was well and truly wrapped up after the break, with Saka grabbing a second and Declan Rice curling home a brilliant long-range effort.
Simon Collings was at the London Stadium to see Arsenal in action...
David Raya 6
An easy afternoon for the Spaniard, who wasn’t troubled. West Ham had one shot on target all game.
Ben White 7
Deployed in a new role due to Oleksandr Zinchenko being out. Was asked to tuck into midfield, and did well.
William Saliba 7
Opened the scoring by heading in at the back-post from a corner. Kept Jarrod Bowen quiet all game.
Gabriel 7
Continued his fine scoring run by heading home Rice’s free-kick. Had a comfortable afternoon against a poor West Ham attack.
Jakub Kiwior 6
Given a rare start as injuries continue to hit Arsenal at the back. A bit shaky early on, but grew in confidence and was solid.
Martin Odegaard 8
A bright performance. At the heart of a lot of Arsenal’s best attacking play. Finished the game with two assists, but could have had more.
Declan Rice 8 | Star player
Back at his old club for the second time this season and had a great game. Set up two goals with a couple of great set-pieces, before scoring a stunning long-range strike.
Kai Havertz 7
Moved into midfield after excelling as a striker last week. Still got forward when he could, though, and was neat and tidy.
Bukayo Saka 8
Missed a few good chances early on, but then slotted his penalty. Banished some painful memories from last season with a second goal after the break.
Leandro Trossard 8
Handed a start after scoring off the bench against Liverpool last week. Scored a great curling effort just before the break.
Gabriel Martinelli 7
Given plenty of licence to roam away from the left flank. The quietest of Arsenal’s front-three.
Substitutions
Mohamed Elneny (Rice 67’) 6
Given a rare 20 minutes off the bench. Tested Areola with a shot from range.
Reiss Nelson (Saka 67’) 6
A bright cameo from the winger.
Eddie Nketiah (Trossard 67’) 6
Combined well with Martinelli, but saw his shot saved.
Cedric (White 77’) N/A
Ethan Nwaneri (Martinelli 77’) N/A
Subs not used: Ramsdale, Walters, Bandeira, Jorginho, Elneny
