Arsenal defeated West Ham with five goals in the first half to seal a 5-2 victory at the London Stadium, with Bukayo Saka being the star of the show.

Gabriel opened the scoring 10 minutes later when he once again met Saka’s corner in a crowded six-yard area, the home side powerless to prevent the Brazilian from finding the back of the net.

Leandro Trossard doubled the lead with a smart one-two from Saka and Martin Odegaard giving the Belgian the chance to capitalize on an empty net. Saka continued to score as his penalty allowed his captain to score from 12 yards. Kai Havertz He added a fourth.

West Ham then began to mount a fightback, scoring twice in as many minutes through free kicks from Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson, but their attempts were stifled when Saka struck from the penalty spot.

Express Sports takes a look at how each Arsenal The star competed against West Ham below…

Arsenal Player ratings vs West Ham (4-3-3)

Keeper

David Raya-6

There was little West Ham could do for both of their goals as no goalkeeper in the world could stop Emerson’s free-kick and Wan-Bissaka’s effort went well.

Defense

Jurrien Timber – 6

It’s a quiet game for the Dutch international but his presence allows Saka to sit higher on the pitch and concentrate on attacking duties.

William Saliba-6

Overall he won the physical battle with Michael Antonio and was not at fault for West Ham’s two goals.

Gabriel – 8

Overcoming initial injury concerns, Gabriel scored the game’s opening goal from familiar surroundings, nodding in from Saka’s corner.

He directed the set-piece, directing his teammates where to move before stooping to pass Fabianski past him. The two met again in a corner. He punched Polish defender Gabriel in the head and a penalty was awarded. He was later replaced at half-time due to this collision.

Riccardo Calafiori – 5

After Crysensio Summerville scored in the first half, he will be relieved that his pass was not assessed and was ruled offside. He took off with no apparent injuries just before the hour mark.

midfield

Martin Odegaard-8

Odegaard’s incredible partnership with Saka was on full display as their almost telepathic exchange of passes led to Trossard’s goal.

The captain then entered the game, saving the penalty that Saka expertly won. Arsenal They look like a completely different team with Odegaard back, keeping him fit will be crucial in the title fight.

Jorginho-8

Jorginho’s experience, who entered the starting 11 after Arteta announced the injuries of Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino, was preferred over Ethan Nwaneri’s potential at the London Stadium, and this decision paid off.

The Italian metronome was as tidy as ever and did well against West Ham’s attacking trio of Summerville, Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen, often preventing counter-attacks before they became dangerous. His tackle won the ball back to set up Havertz’s goal.

Declan Rice – 6

He returned to his former club to a flurry of boos before kick-off, but had a quiet afternoon in a congested midfield.

Attack

Bukayo Saka – 9

Gabriel met another superbly flying corner to open the scoring in East London. Premier League Opponents are still unable to stop what has seemed like an inevitable goal in the last two seasons.

He got his second assist of the game after a clever one-two with Odegaard, then looked up and found Trossard at the back post. He then danced in the penalty area, tripped Paqueta as Odegaard was taking the penalty and took his own penalty kick before half-time.

Behind Timber, Saka feels free to stay higher up the pitch and is currently proving unplayable.

Kai Havertz – 7

There was less need for Havertz ArsenalHe was the focal point in a game where they dominated the ball so much, but he made the most of his chance by catching Trossard’s excellent ball over the top and scoring the Gunners’ fourth goal.

Leandro Trossard-9

With Gabriel Martinelli’s blessing, Trossard got back on the scoresheet after both scored against Sporting in the Champions League on Tuesday, firing into the empty goal after Saka’s clever move on the opposite wing.

He then turned provider by setting up Havertz with a pinpoint ball that left Max Kilman wobbling, displaying his double threat against one of Wan-Bissaka’s best defensive backs.

Reserves

Jakub Kiwior (45′) – 6

The Polish defender, who was substituted for Gabriel in the first half, had a point to prove with increased competition in defense following the summer signings of Timber and Calafiori, and made few mistakes.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (56′) – 6

Replaced Calafiori, who limped through injury and assisted Arsenal Team up with another confident passer on the field to see victory.

Gabriel Jesus (74′) – 6

Jesus has lost his place firmly to Havertz and needs to start making the most of his opportunities on the bench. But today this did not happen.

Raheem Sterling (74′) – 6

The only real impact was a free kick that went narrowly wide.

Ethan Nwaneri (84′) – None

I spent very little time on the field, but every minute will be valuable for the development of the 17-year-old footballer.