Declan Rice made a decisive return against his old club West Ham, helping Arsenal climb to the top of the Premier League, while Manchester United eased the pressure on manager Ruben Amorim with a 2-0 victory over Sunderland on Saturday.

In what marked Mikel Arteta’s 300th game at the helm, Arsenal outclassed a struggling West Ham side with a comfortable 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium, strengthening their push for a first league title in 22 years.

However, the triumph came at a cost, as skipper Martin Odegaard was forced off before halftime—[for the third time this season]—due to injury.

Arsenal’s squad depth once again proved vital for Arteta in coping with injuries throughout the campaign.

Rice, who departed West Ham in 2023 for a club-record £105 million ($141 million), broke the deadlock by smashing home a rebound after Alphonse Areola had blocked Eberechi Eze’s shot.

Midway through the second half, Bukayo Saka sealed the result from the penalty spot after Jurrien Timber was fouled by El Hadji Malick Diouf.

With the win, Arsenal moved a point ahead of Liverpool, who face Chelsea later.

West Ham’s defeat sees them remain stuck in the relegation zone.

Amorim earns some breathing room

Heading into Sunderland’s visit to Old Trafford, Amorim admitted he was under pressure and in urgent need of results to avoid becoming the next Manchester United boss to lose his job.

Having managed just 34 points from his prior 33 league games, the Portuguese coach finally saw his side produce a convincing display, giving him a reprieve going into the international break.

A moment of silence preceded kick-off at Old Trafford, paying tribute to victims of a recent terror attack at a Manchester synagogue.

Amorim’s brave team selections were rewarded as debutant Senne Lammens kept a clean sheet in goal, and Mason Mount justified his inclusion ahead of Matheus Cunha by netting the opener.

Mount calmed the nerves of the home support by finishing off a cross from Bryan Mbeumo in the eighth minute.

United controlled the first half, with Bruno Fernandes nearly adding another, only to see his strike pushed onto the post by Robin Roefs.

Benjamin Sesko extended the hosts’ lead with a sharp finish from a long throw-in, marking his first goal at Old Trafford since his £74 million transfer from RB Leipzig.

Late in the first half, Sunderland were initially awarded a penalty, but the decision was overturned by VAR, ruling that Sesko had made only minimal contact with Trai Hume.

Sunderland, who entered the weekend in fifth following a strong start to life back in the Premier League, saw their unbeaten run halted at four games in a sobering reality check.

Tottenham, under Thomas Frank, showcased their growing defensive discipline by ending Leeds’ year-long unbeaten home league streak with a 2-1 win at Elland Road.

Mohammed Kudus scored his first goal for Spurs, clinching the victory after Noah Okafor had equalised following Mathys Tel’s early strike.

"That feeling to get over the line, to get three points, was big," said Frank after his team climbed into third place.

Liverpool have the chance to reclaim top spot later on if they manage a win at Chelsea.

The reigning champions enter the match having suffered back-to-back defeats to Crystal Palace in the league and Galatasaray in the Champions League.

Meanwhile, Chelsea, winners of the Club World Cup, are desperate for a result after going three league games without a victory.