Dominant Arsenal Crush West Ham to Climb to Second Place in Premier League

Arsenal stormed into second place in the Premier League with an emphatic 5-2 victory over West Ham, reigniting their title ambitions.

Mikel Arteta’s team delivered a breathtaking first-half performance at the London Stadium, netting five goals to move within six points of league leaders Liverpool, who face Manchester City on Sunday.

Gabriel Magalhaes set the tone with an early header, followed by Leandro Trossard’s close-range finish. Martin Ødegaard extended the lead from the penalty spot, before Kai Havertz added his ninth goal of the season.

West Ham showed brief resistance with goals from Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson Palmieri, but Bukayo Saka’s penalty capped Arsenal’s dazzling display.

The win follows Arsenal’s 5-1 demolition of Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League and comes after a challenging run of four league games without victory. With momentum now restored, Arteta’s side remains firmly in the hunt for their first title since 2004.

Ødegaard’s return to the lineup has been pivotal, with the captain inspiring a four-match unbeaten run since recovering from an ankle injury. His partnership with Saka and Trossard was instrumental in Arsenal’s success.

West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui, under pressure despite a recent win against Newcastle, had no answers to Arsenal’s relentless attacking. Arteta, a close friend of Lopetegui, showed no mercy as the Gunners dominated.

Set-piece coach Nicolas Jover once again proved his worth as Gabriel’s opener came from a perfectly executed corner. Saka and Ødegaard combined brilliantly for Trossard’s goal, and Ødegaard calmly converted a penalty after Lucas Paquetá fouled Saka in the box.

Havertz added Arsenal’s fourth with a composed finish following a defensive error, but West Ham briefly rallied. Wan-Bissaka and Emerson scored in quick succession, though their efforts proved futile.

Saka’s penalty just before halftime sealed the victory, marking one of the highest-scoring first halves in Premier League history.

In the second half, Arsenal focused on preserving their lead and avoiding injuries, with Gabriel forced off after a collision. Arteta’s side will now turn their attention to hosting Manchester United at the Emirates on Wednesday.

The victory serves as a powerful statement from Arsenal, reminding rivals that they remain serious contenders in the title race.