Declan Rice came back to haunt his former club, West Ham United, as Arsenal moved top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Manchester United also earned much-needed relief under manager Ruben Amorim, defeating Sunderland 2-0 at Old Trafford.
In what was Mikel Arteta’s 300th match in charge, Arsenal dominated from start to finish, further boosting their title hopes as they chase a first Premier League crown in 22 years.
However, the victory came at a cost, with captain Martin Ødegaard forced off injured before halftime — the third time this season he has been withdrawn early.
Rice, who joined Arsenal from West Ham in a record £105 million move in 2023, broke the deadlock with a powerful rebound after Alphonse Areola parried Eberechi Eze’s shot. Bukayo Saka sealed the win from the penalty spot after Jurrien Timber was brought down by El Hadji Malick Diouf.
The win lifts Arsenal one point clear of Liverpool, who face Chelsea later in the day, while West Ham remain deep in the relegation zone.
— Amorim Earns Breathing Space —
Under-pressure United boss Ruben Amorim earned a vital win after admitting before the match that he needed results quickly to secure his job. The Red Devils delivered a composed performance, with debutant goalkeeper Senne Lammens keeping a clean sheet and Mason Mount opening the scoring after just eight minutes from Bryan Mbeumo’s cross.
Benjamin Šeško doubled United’s lead with a sharp finish from a long throw-in, scoring his first goal at Old Trafford since his £74 million transfer from RB Leipzig. Sunderland’s hopes of a comeback were dashed after VAR overturned a penalty decision late in the first half.
The victory lifts United’s spirits heading into the international break, while Sunderland — who started the weekend in fifth — saw their four-match unbeaten run ended.
Elsewhere, Tottenham showcased their defensive strength under Thomas Frank with a 2-1 win over Leeds at Elland Road, ending the hosts’ year-long unbeaten home run. Mohammed Kudus’ first goal for Spurs secured all three points after Noah Okafor had cancelled out Mathys Tel’s opener.
Liverpool will look to reclaim top spot when they take on Chelsea later in the evening, with both sides desperate to bounce back from recent poor form.