Forget Rice and Saka, Arsenal’s £42m ‘top player’ showed he’s truly elite vs West Ham

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It was a job well done for Arsenal as they beat West Ham United 2-0 at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta’s title challengers look the real deal again this season and they made light work of the Hammers after goals from Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.

Rice delivered a dagger to his former club after pouncing on a rebound, before Saka wrapped up the three points in the second half from the penalty spot.

However, one of their team-mates stole the show despite his display dropping under the radar.

Riccardo Calafiori didn’t put a foot wrong against West Ham

Riccardo Calafiori delivered a faultless performance and could even have capped it off with a goal, having seen his strike from 20 yards hit the woodwork on the cusp of half-time.

The full-back was everywhere, snuffing out West Ham attacks in one moment before bringing his side forward on the counter in the next.

His statistics made for impressive reading. According to Squawka on X, no Arsenal player won more duels (seven), more ball recoveries (three) or more clearances (three) during the first 45 minutes.

Calafiori also had as many touches in the opposition box as the entire West Ham starting XI combined, with five, in the first half.

He picked up where he had left off before the interval and was crucial in Arsenal’s build-up, having seemingly been given a free, floating role by Arteta.

The 23-year-old is adept at progressing the ball and has an impressive reading of the game, and he is well on his way to becoming one of the most versatile defenders in world football.

Martin Odegaard’s praise for Riccardo Calafiori

Martin Odegaard waxed lyrical about Calafiori after his arrival at Arsenal in July 2024 from Bologna.

“I think everyone saw it straight away in training that he is a top player,” Odegaard said.

“He is a top, physical defender with a presence on the pitch. I am sure he is going to give us a lot. We are happy to have him on board and looking forward to seeing more from him.”

Calafiori has made 36 appearances since joining, scoring four goals and chalking up four assists, and he is expected to remain a crucial player under Arteta for years to come.