With SEVEN goals in the first half alone, Saturday night’s London derby between West Ham and Arsenal was one of the best in recent memory.

The Hammers cut the gap with two rapid goals, including a brilliant Emerson free-kick, after the Gunners had jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first thirty-five minutes.

Only four Premier League games in history have had seven goals before halftime, with Bukayo Saka’s penalty on the stroke of halftime making it 5-2.

The second half was somewhat dull, with Mikel Arteta making the substitutions, especially with Wednesday night’s match against Manchester United at the Emirates on his mind.

Ahead of Sunday’s crucial matchup between the leaders and a struggling Man City, the outcome moved the Gunners up to second place in the Premier League standings, six points behind Liverpool.

David Raya – 6

Beaten at his near post for Wan-Bissaka’s opener, and could do nothing about Emerson’s free-kick.

Conceded two in two minutes, but had virtually nothing to do besides that.

5A quiet night at the office for David Raya.Credit: Getty

Jurrien Timber – 6

Charged towards the near-post at every corner, creating space for Gabriel to score and further opportunities throughout the game.

West Ham players seemed to take turns fouling him, a major worry given the Arsenal’s current lack of options at right-back.

William Saliba – 6

Outshone by his defensive partner, but Saliba hardly put a foot wrong in the first half either.

Lucky to escape a booking early in the second half for a challenge on Jarrod Bowen.

Gabriel – 8

The Brazilian headed home early on after a new-look corner routine to put his side in front.

Wiped out by Lukasz Fabianski to gift Arsenal a penalty right at the end of the first-half.

Taken off at half-time, Mikel Arteta confirmed in his post-match press conference that it was due to a prior injury.

5Gabriel heads home to fire Arsenal into an early lead during Saturday night’s London derby with West Ham.Credit: AFP

Riccardo Calafiori – 5

There’s no doubting the Italian’s attacking capabilities, but his defensive awareness risks being his downfall, as he was caught out for Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s goal.

Replaced by Oleksandr Zinchenko in the 56th minute, and appeared to point at his groin as he left the pitch.

Bukayo Saka – 9

Mr Reliable – at the centre of anything and everything whenever the Gunners went forward.

Whipped in an inch-perfect corner for Gabriel, squared it to Trossard for Arsenal’s second, won the penalty for the third, and scored the penalty to make it 5-2 late on in the first half.

Replaced by Raheem Sterling with 74 minutes on the clock.

5Bukayo Saka wheels away in celebration after scoring Arsenal’s FIFTH of an action-packed first halfCredit: Getty

Jorginho – 6

The Italian had a fairly anonymous first half, but when your team scores five in one half, can anyone really have had a bad game?

Declan Rice – 6

Controlled the midfield alongside Jorginho, helping keep West Ham counter attacks to a minimum.

Gave away a foul in a dangerous area before Emerson slotted home West Ham’s second with a wonderful free-kick.

Leandro Trossard – 7

Doubled the Gunners’ first-half lead with the easiest goal he’ll score all season.

Pinged a perfect pass over the top to send Havertz through for the fourth.

Much quieter in the second half, as were the rest of his team-mates.

Martin Odegaard – 7

The Gunners captain’s glorious through ball split open the West Ham defence in the build-up to Arsenal’s second.

Always a threat, and made it 3-0 with a penalty.

5Martin Odegaard slots home a penalty to extend Arsenal’s lead.Credit: Rex

Kai Havertz – 6

Ran in behind to make it 4-0 within 35 minutes, prompting a mass exodus of West Ham fans.

He’s now got as many Premier League goals and assists for Arsenal as he did for Chelsea, but in 42 fewer games.

SUBS

Jakub Kiwior – 6

Replaced Gabriel for the second half, and he certainly had big boots to fill.

Hardly had anything to do in a very quiet second half for the Gunners defence.

Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6

Mikel Arteta may have no choice but to play the Ukrainian at left-back if Calafiori is injured, and he didn’t do himself any harm.

Solid at the back and got involved in some of Arsenal’s attacks too.

Raheem Sterling – 6

The Chelsea loanee is in desperate need of minutes, and came on with 15 minutes to go.

Hit the side netting after Declan Rice’s menacing run through the West Ham midfield.

Gabriel Jesus – 5

Completely misjudged a pass within seconds of coming on, the former Man City man is yet to replicate the same form he had at the Etihad in an Arsenal shirt.

Made some promising runs but looks totally void of all confidence.

Ethan Nwaneri – N/A

The 17-year-old was brought on with just over five minutes to go, and didn’t really have enough time to make an impact on the game.