Arsenal returned to the top of this season’s English Premier League, beating West Ham United 2-0 at home, while the former leaders and title holders, Liverpool succumbed 1-2 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal had led the 20-team league on Matchday 2 on goal difference over north London rivals, Tottenham and Liverpool, but dropped to third place the following week, following defeat to the champions at Anfield.
But on Matchday 7, the Gunners scored in each half to beat fellow London club, West Ham United 2-0, with the first of those strikes coming from ex-Hammer Declain Rice, who joined Arsenal in a club record £100 million deal in July 2023. He did not celebrate the goal.
A controversial penalty award was converted by Bukayo Saka in the 67th minute. The Nigerian had received the captain’s armband from Martin Odegaard, whose recurring injury situation led to his replacement by Martin Zubimendi on the half hour mark.
In West London, Chelsea handed Liverpool their second defeat of the season with goals from Moises Caicedo and Estevao; the latter arriving in five minutes of added time to seal maximum points for the Blues.
Cody Gakpo’s 63rd minute goal had levelled scores but it was not to be Liverpool’s day.
Arsenal go into the International break with 16 points from seven fixtures, while Liverpool are only a point behind.
But the Reds will drop a step further to third if Crystal Palace beat Everton away on Sunday.
