Arsenal hosted West Ham in a crucial London derby on Saturday, with a victory poised to send the Gunners to the top of the league table. Amidst the high stakes, bookmakers BetMGM presented an offer for new customers: £40 in free bets upon registering an account and placing a minimum £10 stake on the encounter.

To claim this offer, new customers must register an account, deposit, and stake a minimum of £10 on sports at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater within seven days of opening the account. Once the qualifying bet is settled, win or lose, the account will be credited with £40 in free bets, comprising 1 x £10 for football, 1 x £10 for horse racing, and 2 x £10 Bet Builders. It is important to note that these free bets cannot be used on e-sports or non-UK/IE horse racing and expire after seven days. Other exclusions apply, and the stake is not returned. This offer is for customers 18+ and subject to full terms and conditions. BetMGM emphasizes responsible gambling, advising individuals to set time and monetary limits, gamble only what they can afford to lose, never chase losses, and avoid gambling when upset, angry, or depressed. Resources like Gamcare, GambleAware, the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133), and gamstop.co.uk are available for support.

During the match, Arsenal secured a 1-0 lead against West Ham, with Declan Rice scoring from close range following some effective play by Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze. However, the Gunners were dealt a significant injury blow early in the game when captain Martin Odegaard was forced off with a left knee injury after just 30 minutes. This marked a recurring issue for Odegaard, who has now been taken off injured in the first half of every Arsenal home Premier League game this season, including previous matches against Leeds (38 minutes) and Nottingham Forest (18 minutes). He had also been sidelined by a shoulder problem during the draw with Manchester City last month. Odegaard was replaced by Martin Zubimendi.

Arsenal's injury woes appear to be mounting, with Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz listed as long-term absentees. Key players Bukayo Saka and William Saliba have also missed matches earlier in the campaign due to injury, and Piero Hincapie is currently unavailable with a groin injury. Despite these setbacks, Arsenal maintained their focus to take the lead. West Ham, under the management of Nuno Espirito Santo in his second game, sought to upset the Gunners, having previously secured a point at Everton.

The match had a 3pm BST kick-off time, and was not available for TV/stream in the UK due to broadcasting restrictions. The reported starting lineups for the encounter were: Arsenal – Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Rice, Odegaard, Eze, Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard; West Ham – Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Diouf, Magassa, Fernandes, Paqueta, Bowen, Summerville, Fullkrug.