Arsenal’s red-hot form continued on Sunday as they ran out 6-0 winners against West Ham at the London Stadium.
It was the Gunners’ fourth Premier League victory in a row as they kept pace with fellow title hopefuls Liverpool and Manchester City, who both claimed victories earlier in the weekend.
All of Arsenal’s goals came during a 33-minute span that saw many of West Ham’s fans streaming out of the stadium at the half-time whistle, and there were no less than five goal scorers for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Among those who put themselves on the score sheet were Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, who are two of Arteta’s most trusted and important players. The England teammates were stand-outs for their rampant club side on Sunday, as Saka scored twice and Rice registered a goal and two assists.
For Arteta, Saka’s continuing excellence is a key reason why they are just two points back of the league leaders after 24 matches.
“When you talk about consistency at his [Saka’s] age…what he has done in the last two or three seasons is remarkable,” Arteta told Sky Sports.
“His attitude, his quality, what he delivers every week…it’s really difficult to find. That’s why he is so important to us.”
As for Rice, the 25-year-old returned to the London Stadium after joining Arsenal from the Hammers in a record transfer over the summer.
Arteta acknowledged Rice’s professionalism in delivering a big performance for his new club in front of the fans that supported him through his first six years as a first-team player.
“It’s always difficult to come back to your old club,” Arteta said. “The [West Ham] fans were really good to him. When he went to take the corner they clapped him so it’s great to see that kind of reception.
“He loves this club so much and I know what it meant to him to play today.”