Expect a tight clash when West Ham and Arsenal go head-to-head at the London Stadium on Sunday.
It was probably a toss-up between this encounter and the Chelsea v Everton game for our feature focus this week. Admittedly, I was surprised when our editor published the memo – but then again neither of these sides have any undue pressure, tension or stress associated with their home form… and I guess the London Stadium pitch is still in complete working order!
Good people, this could certainly turn out to be a real spectacle. Here’s to David Moyes picking the right side for the top four race – sorry, for West Ham’s season – and giving his side a chance!
West Ham 33/10 | Draw 26/10 | Arsenal 8/10
West Ham
To start, I think it would be remiss of me to not mention the incredible work being done by David Moyes at West Ham. He is, in my opinion, right where he needs to be at the London club. He has turned them into a proud League side who remain competitive against any opposition. They are into the semi-finals of the Europe League competition and look as though they might still progress.
It truly is reminiscent of the work he did at Everton, giving the club a soul. Allowing the fans to get behind him and buy into the work and effort of the players. With the greatest amount of respect, David Moyes is made for these sorts of clubs.
West Ham will be kicking themselves after coming away from the Bridge empty-handed. They were brilliant against Chelsea; they asked the right questions and just never allowed their hosts to settle. Declan Rice, Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio all started on the bench for the Hammers – which just increases the size of the feather being squarely positioned in their caps!
Craig Dawson, who himself had a sterling performance, will be annoyed with himself after picking up a red card which obviously shifted the game, but also rules him out of selection. West Ham are currently in seventh position, eight points off the top four. They haven’t been spoken about nearly enough, and whilst they aren’t likely to gate crash the Champions League spots, to be in such a position after the start they had this season is superb.
The dilemma then for this game is simple, should David Moyes select his best West Ham side I think they could cause Arsenal some worry making life incredibly difficult for their visitors. If he opts for sticking with the side that impressed at Chelsea, I think Arsenal have the quality to overcome them, but also the inconsistency required to justify a raised eyebrow and a hesitant breath before putting your money down.
My concern is, why rest a side against Chelsea if you aren’t intending to replicate it against Arsenal – or indeed until the Europa tie is put to bed?
Arsenal
Arsenal stepped up their cavalry charge for a place in the Champions League next season. They came away 3-1 winners against Manchester United at the Emirates and claimed an invaluable three-point haul.
Of course, the Gunners came into the game with all the confidence in the world after thrashing Chelsea 4-2, but it was their ability to maintain consistent which should be what Arsenal fans celebrate the most this week.
Before that superb win at the Bridge, Arsenal had lost three league games on the bounce and were beginning to look as though their hopes of Champions League qualification were being bottled. I don’t think Mikel Arteta’s side were unplayable against United, in fact their defensive attributes left a lot to be desired, quite frankly. However, every time they went forward, they looked as though they could score at will and pleasure.
Arsenal took their chances in front of goal and gave themselves a chance. The punditry at the weekend suggested that Arsenal need Bukayo Saka to perform, and they will subsequently reap the rewards…truer words haven’t been spoken in a while.
The young English attacker has been brilliant for his club, much like Martin Odegaard, Eddie Nketiah and Nuno Tavares, he drags his team up the pitch at blistering pace. He is happy to take defenders on 1v1 and makes a nuisance of himself in the final third.
If Arsenal can replicate this performance, they swat aside West Ham and continue charging toward a respectable top four finish this season. It’s been brilliant to see everyone who follows the North London side finally ‘trusting the process’ as opposed to calling for their manager’s head. Patience is becoming a lost art in football; Arsenal’s season may serve as a reminder why it should never be disdained.
Prediction: Arsenal (8/10)
Don’t get me wrong, I think this could be a hard-fought game and victory. I mean, it is a London derby after all. Arsenal has the quality and pace necessary to break down a well-coached and patient West Ham side – who themselves can counter at the speed of light and with immense power.
My only concern with the visitors is there inconsistency. West ham’s lineup will be difficult to predict, and I’m not sure their focus is on the domestic season now, so I wouldn’t suggest trying to find reasons to back them here (hope is fine).
Get on the away win, at decent odds.
