Match Preview: West Ham v Arsenal; Turn Up or Tumble

There is a worrying fog that lingers over London and it’s coming from Arsenal fans. Injuries mount to key players. November was stop and start and as the calendar turns to December, some wonder rather loudly if the season is lost. As we look at West Ham v Arsenal, it’s time for the Gunners to either turn up or tumble.

Last season, who can forget that opening day loss to a rejuvenated West Ham side. Starting their final season in their old home ground, they wanted to make it a memorable season. And they did. Along the way as they shuttered the place up, they took some pretty big scalps – one of them Arsenal’s.

Fast forward and life in their new home isn’t as rosy as they may have expected. Results haven’t gone their way and they find themselves floating somewhere just above the drop zone. Things have improved slightly for them and they look slightly improved recently. Arsenal cannot come in here and overlook them or they could find themselves beginning their winter woes.

One of the reasons I think West Ham have wobbled is the size of their new pitch. The Boleyn Ground was tight and it forced teams like Arsenal that played with width to play narrowly. It obviously makes it easier to defend. Additionally, the crowd was right on top of everyone and it made it a hellacious environment.

Now, firmly ensconced in the London Stadium (nee Olympic Stadium), the fans are further away and the pitch is wider. Add in Bilic’s move to 3 at the back and it’s all very wobbly for the Hammers at the moment.  It’s the perfect environment for Arsenal to continue their run.

We aren’t without our own worries. Arsene Wenger has confirmed the long-term absence of Santi Cazorla. His presence will be missed. He is the driving force for Arsenal’s attack. We all have seen the statistics that reiterate his importance to the squad.

But this is why you have a squad and it’s time some players showed their worth. Granit Xhaka, rested for the midweek, will likely get the nod (alongside who we don’t know) and he represents at least the most likely to offer a modicum of what Santi offers us.

Xhaka has a range of passing and is good on the ball. He may not be as nimble as Santi, but few players are. However, he can act as that pivot between the back 4 and the midfield and possibly make that crucial first pass to Mesut Özil we’ve been lacking.

Another big miss will be at RB. Hector Bellerin is close to recovery but not close enough to return for this match. Mathieu Debuchy is sadly out for 6 weeks after returning to the first team last week. That leaves either Carl Jenkinson or shunting someone not known as a fullback out there.

Given Jenkinson’s performances its likely that he won’t be seen there. That means its more than likely Gabriel will get a run out there. When he came on last week against Bournemouth he was unsteady but grew into the position as the match wore on. We can only hope that he doesn’t need a similar adjustment to this match because unlike Bournemouth, West Ham have some players who can really hurt us from out wide.

When it all comes down to it, Arsenal have to find a way to get back to their fluid, swashbuckling best. Yeah, that’s a lot of flowery words but the reality is this Arsenal squad can beat anyone when it’s playing with the energy and fluidity that they showed early in the season. Given the expanse of West Ham’s new home, they won’t lack the space to do so.

Additionally, I’d like to see an emphasis on attacking the space that a back 3 leaves in the final third. With the wing backs having to really pull double duty, we should be looking to put the ball into the corners for someone to latch on to and attack the 3 defenders from the outside/in. I don’t see many teams working that space.

Where we should worry is that the team come out slow and plodding again and allow West Ham to grow in confidence. It’s a familiar tome for Arsenal. If Arsenal are going to compete for the title, and that means sustain the run through their normal slippery patches without too many hiccups. This just the kind of match that could be a banana peel if they don’t come at it with the right level of focus.

Players to Watch:
Arsenal. Granit Xhaka. This summer’s most costly purchase is likely to get a more sustained run in the side. The question is can he bring us a modicum of what Santi does? If he does, then we’ll be fine.

West Ham. Andy Carroll. Word is he’ll be back for this match. If he is, look for plenty of crosses into the box.

Probable Lineups:

click to enlarge

Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Bellerín (ankle), Akpom (back), Mertesacker (knee), Welbeck (knee), Cazorla (achilles), Debuchy (achilles)

West Ham: Cresswell (groin), Antonio (groin), Sakho (hamstring), Oxford (ankle), Tore (thigh), Byram (hamstring), Carroll (knee – doubtful)

Last 5:
Arsenal: DWDDW

West Ham: WLDLD

Goals Scored Per Game:
Arsenal: 2.18

West Ham: 1.08

Goal Conceded Per Game:
Arsenal. 1.00

West Ham: 1.85

Manager’s Point of View (Courtesy Arsenal.com)

[The response is to] focus on the next one and rely on the confidence we have rebuilt with the win against Bournemouth. I believe that from the strength we have shown away from home, [we can] rely on the belief that we can do well absolutely everywhere.

Broadcast Information:
UK: BT Sport 17.30 GMT
US: NBC 12:30 PM EST

YAMA Predicts:
West Ham 0 – 2 Arsenal

Match Facts (Courtesy FourFourTwo.com via Opta)