Manager Mikel Arteta's team had lost twice to their London rivals this season, but they led 4-0 in the first half with goals from William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel.

The punishment inflicted by Arsenal continued in the second half when Saka made it 5-0 before Declan Rice, a former West Ham midfielder who assisted two goals in the first half, scored the sixth for his team on a day when the home side suffered a humiliating defeat.

Arsenal put on a dazzling display and narrowed the goal difference with titleholders Manchester City, who are level on points with a tally of 52, although they remain in third place due to scoring fewer goals than City. Leaders Liverpool hold 54 points at the top of the table.