Arsenal Edge Past West Ham Amid Injury Concerns

Published: 05 October ‘2025. the English Chronicle Desk

Arsenal secured a hard-fought victory against West Ham at the Emirates Stadium, moving a point ahead of Liverpool in the Premier League standings, but the triumph came with fresh injury concerns for Mikel Arteta’s side. The Gunners’ 2-0 win was defined not only by clinical finishing but also by setbacks to key midfielders, highlighting the ongoing challenges Arsenal face in maintaining squad fitness.

Declan Rice, despite being jeered by traveling fans, opened the scoring after Eberechi Eze’s initial shot had been parried. Rice’s goal gave West Ham a brief glimmer of hope in the first half, but the midfielder was forced off late in the game due to back pain, adding to the host of injury issues already affecting the London club. Bukayo Saka, marking his 200th Arsenal appearance, then ensured the victory from the penalty spot after Malick Diouf fouled Jurrien Timber. The penalty not only sealed the win but also underscored Saka’s importance to the side as he continues to demonstrate leadership and composure in high-pressure moments.

The match was also overshadowed by another injury to Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard. Recently returned from a shoulder problem, Ødegaard became the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before half-time in three consecutive starts when he was withdrawn after a knee collision with West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville. Although Ødegaard was able to walk off the pitch unaided, Arteta confirmed that the midfielder wore a brace on his knee and indicated that the club was “not positive” about the severity of the injury.

These setbacks come amid a troubling injury list that already includes Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, Piero Hincapie, and Gabriel Jesus, while Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Ben White, and Christian Norgaard have experienced periods on the sidelines. The combination of these absences has tested Arteta’s squad depth and tactical flexibility throughout the campaign.

The early withdrawal of Ødegaard meant that fans were only able to witness him and Eze starting together in midfield for the first time for a short period. Eze, in particular, had a golden opportunity to open the scoring in the first half, but his effort soared over the bar, a miss that highlighted Arsenal’s occasional inefficiency in front of goal. Viktor Gyokeres also had chances for West Ham but failed to convert several promising cut-backs, while Riccardo Calafiori’s low strike was cleared off the line after rebounding off the post and goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.

Despite these challenges, Arsenal dominated the match, controlling possession and creating the majority of meaningful chances. Arteta’s 300th game in charge saw his side impose themselves early, with West Ham struggling to respond. The visitors’ only significant opportunity came in the opening minutes when Niclas Fullkrug headed wide from a corner, a rare moment of threat that demonstrated their difficulties under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

West Ham, who had previously won their last two trips to the Emirates, were unable to muster a shot on target in this contest. Their fifth defeat of the season left them anchored in 19th place, a reflection of the struggles that have plagued them in the Premier League campaign thus far. For Arsenal, while the victory provided a morale boost and extended their winning run at home, the injuries to key players will remain a source of concern as the club navigates a congested fixture schedule.

Arteta will now face the challenge of managing his squad carefully in the coming weeks, balancing the need for points with the importance of keeping players fit. Saka’s leadership and the contributions of emerging talents like Eze remain vital as Arsenal seeks to consolidate its position near the top of the table. The Gunners’ ability to adapt to these setbacks will be critical in sustaining their push for Champions League qualification and maintaining momentum in domestic competition.

As the Premier League season intensifies, the resilience of Arsenal’s squad, coupled with tactical ingenuity from Arteta, will determine whether the club can overcome its current injury woes and continue its campaign with consistency. Meanwhile, West Ham must regroup quickly under Espirito Santo to address defensive vulnerabilities and find ways to compete in a league that has so far proven unforgiving.

The Emirates crowd witnessed a blend of celebration and concern, as Arsenal’s offensive prowess secured three valuable points, yet the sight of Ødegaard and Rice departing with injuries served as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in what promises to be a demanding season for both teams.