Declan Rice struck against his former club as Arsenal moved top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win over struggling West Ham, while Manchester United gave manager Ruben Amorim some much-needed relief with victory over Sunderland on Saturday.
In Mikel Arteta’s 300th game in charge, Arsenal were dominant at the Emirates, furthering their bid for a first league title in 22 years.
The Gunners suffered a setback when captain Martin Ødegaard was forced off before half-time, his third such injury this season, but Arsenal’s growing squad depth again proved decisive.
Rice, who joined Arsenal from West Ham for £105 million in 2023, broke the deadlock with a powerful strike after Alphonse Areola parried Eberechi Eze’s shot into his path.
Bukayo Saka sealed the win from the penalty spot midway through the second half after Jurrien Timber was brought down by El Hadji Malick Diouf.
The win moves Arsenal one point ahead of Liverpool, who play later at Chelsea. West Ham, meanwhile, remain in the relegation zone.
Under-pressure United boss Ruben Amorim admitted before kick-off that results needed to improve to avoid speculation over his future. On Saturday, his side responded with a composed 2-0 win at Old Trafford.
Before the match, a minute’s silence was held in memory of victims of a recent terror attack on a Manchester synagogue.
Amorim’s bold lineup changes paid off, debutant goalkeeper Senne Lammens kept a clean sheet, while Mason Mount justified his selection over Matheus Cunha by scoring the opener after eight minutes, finishing off Bryan Mbeumo’s low cross.
Bruno Fernandes came close to doubling the lead with a strike that was tipped onto the post, but it was Benjamin Sesko who made it 2-0 just before the break, converting from a long throw for his first Old Trafford goal since arriving for £74 million from RB Leipzig.
Sunderland briefly thought they had a lifeline after being awarded a penalty, but VAR overturned the decision due to minimal contact between Sesko and Trai Hume.
After an impressive start to life back in the top flight, Sunderland were handed a reality check, ending their four-match unbeaten run. United now head into the international break with some breathing room.
Tottenham showed growing defensive grit under Thomas Frank, edging Leeds 2-1 at Elland Road to end the hosts’ year-long unbeaten league run at home.
Mohammed Kudus netted the winner, his first goal for Spurs, after Noah Okafor had cancelled out Mathys Tel’s opener.
“That feeling to get over the line, to get three points, was big,” said Frank, whose side now sits third.
Later on Saturday, Liverpool will look to reclaim top spot when they travel to face Chelsea. The Reds are aiming to bounce back from recent defeats to Crystal Palace and Galatasaray.
Chelsea, who won the Club World Cup last season, are also desperate for points after a three-game winless run in the league.
AFP
