Rice strikes against former club as Arsenal go top, Amorim earns breathing space

Declan Rice scored against his old club West Ham to send Arsenal to the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 victory at the Emirates on Saturday, while Manchester United eased pressure on manager Ruben Amorim by beating Sunderland 2-0.

In Mikel Arteta’s 300th game in charge, the Gunners took control despite losing captain Martin Odegaard to another injury setback before half-time. Arsenal’s dominance was rewarded when Rice fired home after Alphonse Areola parried Eberechi Eze’s effort. Bukayo Saka sealed the points from the spot on his 200th appearance after Jurrien Timber was fouled by El Hadji Malick Diouf.

“We dominated and fully deserved to win this,” said Arteta. “To go top of the table after some big fixtures over the last week and some injuries… we were able to respond.”

Victory moved Arsenal a point clear of Liverpool, who visit Chelsea later. Defeat leaves West Ham in the relegation zone.

At Old Trafford, Amorim’s side delivered a composed display as Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko struck in the first half. Debutant goalkeeper Senne Lammens kept a clean sheet to ease tension after recent poor results.

“We were a competitive and adult team today,” Amorim said. “We need to do this kind of performance away as well.”

Elsewhere, Tottenham ended Leeds’ year-long unbeaten home run with a 2-1 win at Elland Road thanks to Mohammed Kudus’ first goal for the club.

(Source: AFP)