Arsenal beat West Ham 1-0 in a crucial Premier League clash as Leandro Trossard scored the only goal of the game, with David Raya making key saves in a tense and controversial clash
19:00, 10 May 2026Updated 19:02, 10 May 2026
Leandro Trossard of Arsenal celebrates scoring against West Ham
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Leandro Trossard scored potentially the decisive Premier League title-winning goal(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal took a significant stride towards the Premier League title by clinching a narrow victory at West Ham United. This could be the match that's seen as the title-defining moment.
The Gunners had an opportunity to take the lead within the first ten minutes when a set piece presented Leandro Trossard with a golden chance, which he headed onto the post. Dinos Mavropanos, the ex-Arsenal player, then denied Calafiori's header from crossing the line at the eleventh hour.
Following injuries to Ben White and subsequently Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Arteta's substitutions became crucial in seeking a breakthrough. Many will question the introduction of Martin Zubimendi, but ultimately, Arteta managed to rectify Arsenal's structure in the second half.
Mateus Fernandes of West Ham United misses a chance as David Raya of Arsenal makes a save
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David Raya made a crucial late save from Mateus Fernandes(Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
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In pivotal moments, star players rise to the occasion and Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and ultimately Trossard, alongside David Raya, were those individuals. However, the real drama unfolded when The Hammers believed they had levelled the score, only for VAR to rule it out due to a foul on David Raya.
Here's how the Daily Star Sportrated the Arsenal player performances.
David Raya – Made a solid save from a headed attempt to his right from Taty Castellanos. Another crucial save to deny Fernandes from finding the net in the 77th minute. 9
Ben White – Was forced to withdraw early in the game due to a knee injury. With Jurrien Timber also sidelined, this presents a vulnerability for the Gunners. 5
William Saliba – Found himself with an unfamiliar right-back partner in Rice after White was forced off due to injury. However, he appeared more confident when joined by Mosquera. 7
Gabriel – Compelled into making early blocks and clearances under pressure, a theme that persisted throughout the match. He needed to be defensively solid and indeed he was! His late block could prove crucial. 8
Riccardo Calafiori – Failed to take a promising early opportunity after being set up by Trossard. Shortly afterwards, he had another good opportunity, his header from Rice's cross was stopped on the line by Mavropanos. He had to be substituted at half-time. 6
Declan Rice – Forced to fill in at right-back following Ben White's injury, which undoubtedly affected the team's midfield battle. Delivered a superb pass into the box for Saka, only for the forward's control to let him down. However, his pass to find Odegaard for the goal was exceptional, setting up the one-two move. 8
Myles Lewis-Skelly – The midfielder was shown faith, but after Rice vacated the middle, the youngster seemed less comfortable alongside Zubimendi. He switched back to left-back from half-time. 6
Eberechi Eze – A subdued first half, with a free-kick that only found the wall. Ultimately, it was a game that largely passed him by. 5
Bukayo Saka – Much like Eze, he remained largely anonymous in the opening period, struggling to influence proceedings. Unleashed a strike from distance that sailed high and wide early in the second half. Presented with an opportunity after the break, fed through by Rice but failed to bring the ball under control. Disappointing display from the player who was expected to deliver when it mattered most. 5
Viktor Gyokeres – Claimed some crucial aerial battles in the first half and even contributed effectively to build-up play. Sent a header from a Saka delivery sailing over the crossbar. 6
Leandro Trossard – Produced a delightful through ball inside the area to Riccardo Calafiori who squandered the opening early opportunity. Managed to strike both the woodwork and upright from the subsequent corner won from that very opening. The clutch performer when the stakes are highest and what a pivotal moment this could prove for Arsenal's campaign. 8
Substitutes
Martin Zubimendi – Introduced early in the opening half following Ben White's injury setback. Was withdrawn during the second period to inject more attacking intent. Failed to impress during his time on the pitch. 4
Cristhian Mosquera – A necessary change at half-time which allowed Rice to return to his midfield role. Required to adjust and meet the physical challenge head-on, delivering an impressive performance. 7
Kai Havertz – Entered the fray and provided that crucial extra attacking spark the team had been missing. 6
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Martin Odegaard – Hasn't registered many assists this campaign, but that becomes irrelevant when producing one of such significance. The technical skill and awareness were exceptional. 7
Noni Madueke – Simply brought the energy that had been absent from the right flank. 6