Bukayo Saka hits milestone with goal vs. West Ham

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka hit yet another significant milestone with a goal against London rivals West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, with a spirited performance from the star player.

Saka inspired Arsenal to a fourth straight victory in all competitions to mark his 200th Premier League appearance in style in front of the home fans.

The England international hit home the Gunners’ second from the penalty spot to also notch his 100th top-flight goal involvement – 55 goals and 45 assists – after Declan Rice had netted a first-half opener against his beloved former employers.

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also bagged up his 300th match as Arsenal boss, and no side has claimed more points than the Gunners (22) in their past nine Premier League matches.

Arsenal’s win was somewhat marred by potential fitness concerns, as Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice both limped off with knee and back issues, respectively.

The hosts nearly broke the deadlock in 14 minutes when Eberechi Eze fired over from close range after Aaron Wan-Bissaka cleared the ball off the line.

However, Martin Zubimendi’s impact was virtually instant after Arsenal had a penalty shout – Soungoutou Magassa appeared to handle in the box.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 05: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Southampton FC at Emirates Stadium on October 05, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Viktor Gyokeres also squandered a header before the Spanish midfielder split the Hammers backline and fed in Eze, whose powerful strike was well saved by Areola before Rice gratefully hit home the rebound.

The England international, who captained the Hammers to Conference League glory in 2023, did not celebrate against his boyhood club but appeared to cast a stern glance toward the traveling West Ham fans, who had jeered his every touch.

Dynamic full-back Riccardo Calafiori then struck the post with a powerful drive, while Arsenal had a second penalty appeal rejected after the break when the ball hit Max Kilman’s arm.

Having bagged emphatically from the spot against Leeds, many expected Gyokeres to grab the ball when Arsenal were finally awarded a penalty following Malick Diouf’s challenge on Jurrien Timber, which initially started outside of the box.

However, Saka, who has now been involved in nine goals across his last seven league outings against West Ham (5G, 4A), decided he was taking and put the ball at the back of the net.

Arteta’s earlier optimism for Saka to break the club’s record of becoming the Gunners’ all-time appearance maker in the Premier League was no more a dream, but a reality.

Arsenal’s victory marked a historic moment, as it was the first time the home side had won any of the last six league encounters between these two teams.