It wasn't a vintage Arsenal performance, but afternoons like these often define a title race. The Gunners survived immense late pressure, a tense VAR review, and several heart-in-mouth moments to escape the London Stadium with a crucial 1-0 victory over West Ham.
Leandro Trossard scored the winning goal, but David Raya may well have been the true hero of the day. His massive second-half save kept the game level before the Belgian struck—the kind of moment that can shift the momentum of an entire season.
Here’s how the Arsenal players rated in this dramatic East London showdown:
David Raya – 9/10
Made one huge save in the second half that could define Arsenal’s season. Commanded his area brilliantly under enormous late pressure and stayed fully focused during the chaotic VAR drama. Immense.
Ben White – 6/10
Started reasonably well before being forced off injured midway through the first half. Arsenal lost their shape and rhythm after his departure.
William Saliba – 7/10
Another calm and composed display under pressure. Read the danger superbly during West Ham’s late push.
Gabriel Magalhães – 7/10
Strong physically and dominant in key moments. Made important clearances throughout the second half when the Hammers piled on the pressure.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 5/10
Got into excellent attacking positions early on but wasted two very promising opportunities. Hooked at half-time.
Thomas Partey – 6/10
Did an important job after shifting positions following White’s injury. Battled hard throughout in a difficult tactical situation.
Declan Rice – 6/10
Worked hard in midfield but Arsenal lost control for periods. Came on midway through the first half and was substituted after the tactical reshuffle.
Jorginho – 6/10
Worked hard in midfield but moved to left-back after the break. Did his job without fanfare.
Martin Ødegaard – 5/10
Never fully imposed himself on the game and struggled to create consistent attacking momentum.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6/10
Bright start and carried threat early on, but faded as West Ham grew into the contest. Couldn’t quite get into the game in the second half.
Eddie Nketiah – 6/10
Battled physically and kept working for the team, but didn’t receive many clear-cut opportunities.
Leandro Trossard – 8/10
Worked tirelessly all afternoon and delivered when Arsenal needed him most. Took his goal calmly under huge pressure and once again proved his value in decisive moments.
Takehiro Tomiyasu – 7/10
Brought calmness and stability to the backline after coming on. Helped Arsenal see out the nervy final stages.
This win may not have been pretty, but in a title race, grit and resilience matter just as much as style. Arsenal showed both in abundance.