(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Arsenal Defeat West Ham as Manchester United Relieve Pressure on Amorim
October 5, 2025 |
LONDON: Arsenal continued their strong Premier League campaign with a 2-0 victory over West Ham United, while Manchester United eased pressure on manager Ruben Amorim with a much-needed win against Sunderland on Saturday.
Rice Shines Against Former Club
It was a memorable evening for Declan Rice, who scored against his former side to seal Arsenal’s win in Mikel Arteta’s 300th game in charge. The Gunners dominated from start to finish at the Emirates Stadium, showing their growing confidence in the title race.
Rice struck in the 53rd minute, firing home after West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola parried a powerful effort from Eberechi Eze.
Bukayo Saka then doubled the lead from the penalty spot midway through the second half after Jurrien Timber was fouled in the box. The goal also marked Saka’s 200th appearance for the Gunners.
Although captain Martin Ødegaard was forced off with another injury before halftime, Arteta remained upbeat.
“We dominated and fully deserved to win,” Arteta said. “To go top of the table after a tough week shows the strength and character of this team.”
The result keeps Arsenal near the top of the Premier League table, while West Ham continue to struggle in the relegation zone.
United Bounce Back with Confident Home Win
At Old Trafford, Manchester United responded to recent criticism with a 2-0 victory over Sunderland, offering some relief to under-pressure manager Ruben Amorim.
Before kickoff, the stadium observed a moment of silence to honour the victims of a recent tragedy in Manchester.
Amorim’s decision to start goalkeeper Senne Lammens and recall Mason Mount paid off. Mount opened the scoring in the eighth minute, finishing calmly from Bryan Mbeumo’s cross.
Bruno Fernandes nearly made it 2-0 with a strike that was tipped onto the post, before Benjamin Šeško doubled United’s advantage with his first Old Trafford goal since joining from RB Leipzig.
A late Sunderland penalty was overturned by VAR after replays showed minimal contact in the box.
“We were a competitive and focused team today,” Amorim said post-match. “This is the standard we need to maintain, especially away from home.”
Sunderland, who had enjoyed an impressive start to their return to the top flight, fell to their first defeat in five games.
Spurs End Leeds’ Unbeaten Streak
Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur showcased strong defensive discipline under manager Thomas Frank, securing a 2-1 win at Leeds United.
Goals from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus earned Spurs all three points, ending Leeds’ year-long unbeaten home run.
“That feeling of getting over the line and taking three points was massive,” Frank said, as Tottenham climbed to third place in the league.
