According to multiple reports, Leandro Trossard scored the decisive goal for Arsenal with 10 minutes remaining, assisted by Martin Odegaard. The goal came after a period of sustained pressure from the home side, who had dominated possession and created numerous chances throughout the match. Arsenal's persistence finally paid off when Odegaard's precise pass found Trossard, who finished calmly to break the deadlock. The Emirates Stadium erupted as the ball hit the net, with Trossard wheeling away in celebration after a tense and frustrating afternoon for the Gunners.
David Raya made a crucial save to deny Mateus Fernandes with 12 minutes to play, preserving Arsenal's lead. West Ham had a potential equalizer disallowed after a VAR check, though the reason for the decision has not been confirmed. Gabriel also made a sensational block late in the match to keep the clean sheet, throwing his body in front of a powerful shot to deflect it away from goal. The Brazilian defender's intervention was hailed as a match-saving moment, with Raya's earlier stop proving equally vital in a game of fine margins.
Ben White was substituted due to injury after a tackle with Summerville, prompting a tactical reshuffle. Declan Rice was moved to right back following White's departure. The exact nature and severity of White's injury remain unclear, but his early exit forced manager Mikel Arteta to adjust his defensive setup for the remainder of the game. Rice, typically a midfielder, slotted into the unfamiliar role with composure, helping to maintain Arsenal's defensive shape as West Ham pushed for an equalizer.
Arsenal registered 10 shots in the first 22 minutes, indicating a strong start. In player ratings reported by major media, David Raya was rated 9 out of 10, while Ben White received a 5. William Saliba, Gabriel, and Riccardo Calafiori were each rated 6 out of 10. The early flurry of attempts highlighted Arsenal's attacking intent, though they struggled to convert chances until Trossard's late intervention. The ratings reflected a mixed performance, with Raya's heroics earning him top marks, while White's injury and early exit contributed to his lower score.