Arsenal climb to the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win over West Ham. Glenn Hoddle and Ian Wright say Arteta has all the tools to win the title, but doubts remain over Gyökeres’ ability to be the prolific striker the Gunners need.
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Arsenal moved to the top of the Premier League table on Saturday, seizing first place after Matchday 7 with a convincing 2-0 derby win over West Ham.
The match, played at a vibrant Emirates Stadium, saw Mikel Arteta’s side dominate in a way that reinforced their credentials as serious title contenders. Goals from Declan Rice, who faced his former club for the first time since his summer move, and academy star Bukayo Saka sealed the three points. The win was made even more significant by the fact that Liverpool, who had the chance to reclaim top spot, later slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Chelsea, leaving Arsenal alone at the summit with 16 points.
Declan Rice’s goal carried particular symbolism, as the midfielder not only punished his old teammates but also underlined why Arsenal made him their marquee signing in the last transfer window. His control in midfield has added balance and leadership to the Gunners, who had long been searching for a player of his profile. Bukayo Saka, meanwhile, once again proved decisive, further establishing himself as the face of Arsenal’s new generation. Together, they represent the blend of experience and youth that Arteta has carefully assembled over the past three years.
The result and Arsenal’s rise to the top sparked widespread debate among pundits and former professionals about the club’s chances of finally ending their 21-year wait for a Premier League title. Glenn Hoddle, the former England manager and a legend of both Tottenham and Chelsea, was quick to praise Arteta’s project. Hoddle insisted that the Gunners possess all the tools to go all the way, highlighting their defensive solidity, their tactical discipline, and their wealth of creative options going forward. Yet, he also pointed out one potential weakness: the lack of a proven, prolific striker.
His doubts centered on Viktor Gyökeres, the Swedish forward who joined Arsenal after a successful spell at Sporting CP. Despite showing promise with his physical presence and work rate, Gyökeres has only managed three goals in his first ten matches in all competitions, including seven league appearances. For a club aspiring to dethrone Manchester City and withstand the pressure of a long title race, the question remains whether Gyökeres can evolve into the reliable number nine who delivers 20-plus goals a season.
“Arteta has everything he needs to win the league, there’s no doubt about that,” Hoddle told the Premier League’s official site. “They have strong defenders, they defend collectively, and they also boast creativity and flair in attack. The missing piece, at least for now, is a striker who consistently finds the back of the net. Gyökeres could become that man over time, but until he proves it, that’s the only doubt I see.”
The conversation was echoed by Ian Wright, one of Arsenal’s greatest-ever strikers, who has long been a vocal supporter of Arteta’s project. Wright admitted that this season feels different from previous campaigns, largely because of the squad depth and the quality across every department. In his view, Arsenal no longer rely on one or two stars; instead, they have a team capable of competing on multiple fronts.
“I think there’s a different energy this season,” Wright said. “The squad is much stronger than in recent years. Arteta has built it the right way, piece by piece, and now he has a group that can genuinely go for the title. Of course, everything depends on the choices he makes in crucial games, but that win against West Ham was the sort of result champions need to deliver. It was a must-win match, and they did it with confidence. If Arteta is going to win the league, it has to be this season. He finally has all the pieces in place.”
The optimism around Arsenal extends beyond the comments of former players. Supporters, who have endured years of frustration since Arsène Wenger’s last title in 2004, sense a rare opportunity. The “Invincibles” legacy still looms large, but Arteta’s side, with their blend of youth, technical excellence, and resilience, are beginning to carve out their own identity. Their ability to stay consistent, especially in head-to-head battles against Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea, will ultimately determine whether this campaign ends in history or heartbreak.
For now, Arsenal sit at the top with momentum on their side. The early signs suggest that this might not be another false dawn, but rather the season when Arteta’s long-term vision finally delivers the ultimate prize. The coming months will test their mettle, but as Glenn Hoddle and Ian Wright agree, the foundations are in place. The only question that lingers is whether Viktor Gyökeres or someone else within the squad can become the clinical striker Arsenal need to turn hope into reality.
Updated: 02:07, 5 Oct 2025
