Arsenal Thump West Ham To Go Second, Kluivert Bags Penalty Hat
Justin Kluivert gave Arsenal the lead from the penalty spot in the 16th minute after Declan Rice was adjudged to have fouled Bukayo Saka. The Dutchman, who is on loan from Roma, coolly slotted home to open his account for the Gunners.
West Ham responded well to going behind and had a chance to level through Jarrod Bowen, but his effort cannoned off the crossbar. However, Arsenal remained dominant and doubled their lead in the 31st minute when Eddie Nketiah pounced on a loose ball to find the net.
Kluivert completed his penalty hat-trick in the second half. The 23-year-old converted two more spot-kicks, in the 57th and 69th minutes, after fouls by Ben Johnson and Nayef Aguerd.
West Ham managed to pull one back through Michail Antonio in the 78th minute, but it was nothing more than a consolation as Arsenal held on to secure a comfortable victory.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was delighted with his team's performance and praised Kluivert's contribution.
"Justin was outstanding today," said Arteta. "He showed great composure on the penalties and his overall play was excellent. I'm very pleased with the way the team played."
West Ham captain Declan Rice was frustrated with his team's performance and admitted they were outplayed by Arsenal.
"We didn't perform well enough today," said Rice. "Arsenal were the better team and they deserved to win."
Arsenal's victory puts them in a strong position in the race for the top four. They are now level on points with Manchester City, who play later on Saturday. West Ham, meanwhile, remain in the bottom half of the table.
Arsenal will face Liverpool in their next Premier League match on Wednesday, while West Ham will take on Brighton & Hove Albion on the same day.