Arsenal took another step forward in their Champions League campaign on Wednesday night, besting Olympiacos 2-0 in front of a lively home crowd. On the heels of an emotional and physical battle at St. James’ Park, they took care of business in confident fashion ahead of the final Premier League match before the upcoming international break, welcoming West Ham for the first London Derby of the season on Saturday afternoon.
The Hammers and the Gunners sit on opposite ends of the table, with Arsenal
in 2nd and West Ham in 19th. Position aside, it’s a match that has been a frustrating bogey tie for Arsenal. Despite the Gunners dominating them at their pitch the last two seasons, the Hammers have left the Emirates with victories in their last two matches and have won 3 of the last 5 matches in all competitions, denting Arsenal’s title winning aspirations in the process.
Mikel Arteta’s side has made a bad habit of fumbling away matches against mid-to-lower table sides in recent years. Whatever weird juju it may be, they have found draws and losses where wins have been expected, with last season’s late 0-1 loss a glaring example of it.
With all of the talk of Arsenal’s new-found depth, and the fortitude on display against an early slate of tough opponents, these are the banana peels that they have slipped on too many times to count in the past. With a deeper roster and a side that is rounding into form, can they put the results of the past to bed and take care of business before the impending two week break?
Here are three talking points ahead of Saturday’s match:
Know the Enemy
It seems that every season, there are a handful of clubs that take unprecedented steps backwards. This time around, it’s the Hammers. West Ham United have started the season off in just about the worst way possible. If not for an even worse start from Wolves, they would be bottom of the table. Alas, they have spared the ignominy of pulling up the rear so far, with 4 points from their opening 6 matches.
Poor starts for PL stalwarts are often harbingers of changes in leadership. After 6 matches, the ownership had seen enough and sent Graham Potter packing last week, the second manager of the season in search of new employment. As luck would have it for them, Nuno Espírito Santo, the season’s first victim of the coaching carousel, was quickly hired following his falling out with the higher ups at Nottingham Forest. Closed door, meet open window.
In his first days at the helm, he guided the Hammers to a late draw at Everton, who have steadily improved under former West Ham manager David Moyes. As has been the case this season for the London side, the point was salvaged by a bit of magic from Jared Bowen, whose three goals on the season are a club-best and behind only four other players so far this season. His goal haul is a solid return on the season so far, but considering those three goals make up half of the total goals scored by the Hammers, it paints a picture that is more grim than it is impressive. He has been a lone bright spot for the spiraling club, and has been a consistent thorn in Arsenal’s side, with 4 goals against the Gunners in his career.
The “New Manager Bounce” is the stuff of legend in football, and something that West Ham will be hoping for on Saturday. But, with only one week to implement his ideas, it’s tough to say just how differently he can have them playing after one match and only a handful of training sessions.
The Hammers enter Saturday’s match in nearly-full health with only midfielder George Earthy out through injury. They will, though, miss Tomas Soucek, who is suspended after his rash red card against Tottenham.
Injuries & Suspensions
Arsenal made it through Wednesday’s match with a clean bill of health. Gabriel was subbed off in the second half after David Raya landed on the defender following an aerial challenge, but the fact that the Brazilian defender went to the bench instead of down the tunnel was slightly relieving. Still, a positive statement from the gaffer would be nice to hear.
The Gunners’ long-term injury crew were present at the match, each in street clothes pitch-side and all smiles as Arsenal fought to victory. It was a lovely reminder of the quality that is set to return before the calendar year ends.
OUT: Kai Havertz (knee), Gabriel Jesus (ACL), Noni Madueke (knee), Piero Hincapie (groin)
Predicted Lineup
Attack: Eze, Gyökeres, Saka
Despite Gabriel Martinelli’s resurgent form, it was no coincidence that the introduction of Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka in the second half of Wednesday’s match injected a jolt of energy into the attack. Saka’s return to form looked ever closer with a late goal to seal the win on Wednesday. With Martinelli and Trossard both starting midweek, it makes way for Eze and Saka to take up the flanks on Saturday. Meanwhile, Viktor Gyökeres was a physical menace once again and has looked sharper with each passing match. It feels like his breakthrough is overdue, and another start should take him closer to that goal.
Midfield: Rice, Zubimendi, Ødegaard
The Martin Ødegaard that fans have been patiently waiting on to return finally arrived on Wednesday. He was his silky, incisive best, setting up Saka’s late goal and narrowly missing from close range. The attack simply hums when he is on his game. Likewise, Declan Rice has shown a dominant run of form in the middle of the park with unparalleled work rate in recent matches. Martin Zubimendi continues to do all of the little things right as the safety valve.
Defense: Calafiori, Gabriel, Saliba, Timber
A rotated defense kept yet another clean sheet on Wednesday, as Europe’s deepest defense kept an aggressive Olympiacos attack at bay. Riccardo Calafiori got the night off and should be in line to reclaim his spot on the left. A start for Myles Lewis-Skelly wouldn’t be met with much opposition after his mid-week performance, but Arteta has favored the Italian so far this season. Gabriel and William Saliba were imperious, though Gabi’s injury scare raises a few eyebrows and questions. Ben White still needs time to regain fitness, but gave Jurrien Timber a much needed break before he was subbed in the 2nd half to close up shop. Cristhian Mosquera made a late cameo and could slide into the side in case of any late fitness or injury concerns.
Keeper: Raya
The Spanish shot stopper is in incredible form at the moment. His reflex save in the first half on Wednesday was extraordinary. He may not get the accolades or renown that other keepers get, but he has been the epitome of consistency for the Gunners this season.
If Sunday’s win at Newcastle ignited Arsenal’s momentum, this match has the chance to solidify it. In a week where title-holders Liverpool have looked off the mark, the Gunners have found their groove with hard-fought and well-earned results. The gap at the top has closed to within 2 points, and with Liverpool facing Chelsea away from home, there is a chance that the Gunners head into the break in the top spot. Everything broke Arsenal’s way last week, and now they have a chance to take the reins in the early title race with a third win on the bounce.
WHO: Arsenal vs West Ham
WHAT: Premier League match day 7
WHEN: Saturday, October 4th, 10:00am EST/7:00am PST/3:00pm GMT
WHERE: The Emirates Stadium, London
HOW TO WATCH: Streaming on the Peacock app and the Amazon Prime Video app
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