By Brian Matambo

Arsenal underlined their growing title credentials with a controlled 2–0 victory over West Ham United at the Emirates on Saturday, a result that sent them to the top of the Premier League and marked Mikel Arteta’s 300th game in charge.

The win carried extra meaning, given that Arsenal had suffered a shock home defeat to West Ham last season. This time, however, there was never any real doubt. Goals from Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice — the latter scoring against his former club — sealed a confident display that kept the North London side’s momentum intact.

Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday Supplement, football journalist Julien Laurens described it as “a game that showed Arsenal’s control and maturity.” He added, “They never looked like losing. They played with confidence, pressed well, and could have scored more. West Ham barely created anything.”

Laurens praised Arteta for experimenting tactically, with Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz combining in attacking midfield roles before Ødegaard was forced off with another injury. “It would have been interesting to see how that dynamic developed,” Laurens said, “but even with the captain going off, Arsenal didn’t lose rhythm.”

Jason Burt, chief football correspondent for The Telegraph, said this was the season where Arsenal must finally convert progress into silverware. “I think it’s now or never for Arteta,” he said. “He’s built a fantastic squad, they’ve strengthened well, and he seems calmer on the touchline. He knows what he wants, and the team looks balanced.”

Burt noted that Arteta’s demeanor — once overly intense — now seems to inspire rather than overwhelm his players. “He looks more confident in his own process,” Burt said. “It’s as if the whole club has matured with him.”

Sports broadcaster Jackie Oatley agreed, saying the unity around Arsenal is the strongest it has been in years. “For so long there was always something missing — a striker, leadership, consistency,” she said. “Now all those gaps have been filled. They’ve recruited smartly, they’ve got depth, and the fans believe again. With Liverpool stuttering and City still searching for rhythm, this could be Arsenal’s moment.”

Declan Rice was singled out as one of the season’s standout players. “He’s been brilliant,” said Burt. “He’s showing leadership, presence, and consistency. If he keeps this up, he’ll be one of the best midfielders in world football.”

Bukayo Saka also reached another personal milestone, making his 200th appearance and recording his 100th goal involvement for the club. Oatley called him “the heartbeat of the team,” praising not only his talent but his humility and community spirit. “He’s everything a modern footballer should be — gifted, grounded, and connected to the club.”

The panel agreed that Arsenal’s squad depth now allows Arteta to rotate key players like Saka without weakening the side — a luxury he didn’t have in previous seasons. Laurens added, “This is a team where no player’s place is guaranteed. That’s a healthy thing. You’ve got competition across the pitch, and that’s what big clubs need to win titles.”

New striker Viktor Gyökeres, who joined from Sporting Lisbon in the summer, is still adapting to the Premier League, but the journalists agreed that his presence gives Arsenal an extra dimension in attack. “He’s powerful, makes intelligent runs, and once he finds his rhythm, he’ll add goals,” Oatley said.

As the discussion concluded, the consensus was clear: Arsenal have the players, the balance, and the belief. All that remains is the final step — turning potential into trophies.

“They’ve got everything now,” said Jackie Oatley. “All the pieces are in place. This is the year they need to make it count.”