Arsenal secured a table-topping 2-0 victory over West Ham this afternoon, a result that pundit Chris Sutton described as remarkably straightforward for the home side. The game had the potential to be testing, given the recent history between the clubs, yet Arsenal dominated large periods and created the clearer chances. Although the final scoreline suggested a tight contest, observers felt the Gunners might and perhaps should have increased their advantage.
The fixture underlined two contrasting narratives, Arsenal’s momentum and West Ham’s transitional phase under their new manager. Sutton’s assessment focused on the scale of the task now facing the Hammers, and on the relative ease with which Arsenal controlled the match.
Sutton’s Verdict
Sutton said, as quoted by the BBC: “Nuno Espirito Santo has one hell of a job on his hands. West Ham weren’t in the game today, it was so comfortable for Arsenal. It could have and perhaps should have been more. Now he has time to really get to work over the international break.”
Those remarks encapsulate the wider view that this was not merely a narrow win, but a performance that exposed systemic issues for West Ham to address. Sutton’s comment that the match was “so comfortable for Arsenal” underlines how one-sided key phases of the game felt, even if the scoreline remained modest.
Implications for Both Sides
For Arsenal, the result brings reassurance and momentum. Winning convincingly at home when the occasion carried weight was important, and it will boost confidence ahead of upcoming fixtures. The ability to control matches of this nature, and to avoid repeating past slip-ups at home, will be viewed positively by the coaching staff and the club’s leadership; it also strengthens their position in the title conversation.
For West Ham, Sutton’s appraisal is a blunt reminder that improvement is needed, and that progress will demand clear tactical and personnel responses.
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West Ham went for damage limitation. They’re happy for conceding only 2. Their strikers esp Bowen Fullkrug were anonymous. If Ode was not injured, we could have seen more goals. For a neutral the game was drab littered with nullifying attack initiatives. Trossard overstayed. At least in the stoppage time we expected Dowman to appear.
Ambachew,
Actually Dowman was playing against West Ham on Saturday, and he scored in a 2-2 draw. But this was for the under 21’s. 😂👍