Arsenal’s first game after the news of Arsene Wenger stepping down at the end of the season was announced sees the Gunners host West Ham at the Emirates on Sunday. The 68 year old Wenger has been in charge of Arsenal for over two decades and has guided them to three league titles (including one season where they went unbeaten) and seven FA Cup titles.
Even though league and continental success has eluded Arsenal in recent times, especially with the amount of money being pumped into other teams, Wenger still remains a respected figure and Gunners players will be keen to ensure he goes out on a high. While their main focus will be on the Europa League semifinal against Atletico Madrid, a win on Sunday will open a five point cushion between the Gunners and seventh place Burnley, who had their five game winning streak broken by Chelsea on Thursday night
Arsenal go into this game on the back of a disappointing 2-1 loss at the hands of Newcastle United last weekend. The blue change kit hasn’t been very lucky for the Gunners this season and they again slumped to defeat at St.James Park in that uniform, with goals from Ayoze Perez and Matt Ritchie giving the Magpies a come from behind win after Alexandre Lacazette had put Arsenal ahead.
West Ham managed to draw 1-1 with Stoke in their last game. Potters stopper Jack Butland produced good saves to deny both Marko Arnautovic and Aaron Cresswell before Joe Hart’s howler allowed Stoke to go ahead. Hart spilled Shaqiri’s first time effort and Peter Crouch was on hand to score from the rebound. However Andy Carroll, making his first appearance since January, volleyed in a stoppage time equaliser to give David Moyes’ side an important point.
Despite Arsenal’s recent league struggles they remain a formidable force at home. Their proportion of home points to total points (76%) is the highest in the league and only leaders and newly crowned champions Man City have picked up more points on home turf. West Ham have however drawn all three of their away derbies against London opposition this season, which makes this an interesting clash. If the Hammers’ pre-game odds of 28/5 look enticing, be sure to use this LeoVegas bonus code.
Moyes has to decide whether to continue with Joe Hart in goal or give his spot back to Spanish keeper Adrian. Man City are West Ham’s next opponents after the Arsenal game and with Hart ineligible for that clash, it would perhaps make sense to give Adrian some game time ahead of City’s visit to the London Stadium.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Santi Cazorla are definitely out for the Gunners and there are also doubts over the fitness of Jack Wilshere. Burnley’s loss to Chelsea has given Arsenal some breathing space in sixth place, and Wenger is expected to field a slightly weaker side, with the Atleti game taking top priority.
The referee for this game is Lee Mason, under whom West Ham have already suffered three defeats- against Southampton, Burnley and Newcastle. On all three occasions, the opposition team netted three goals. Arsenal have had mixed results with Mason in the middle- wins over Swansea and Burnley, but also a 3-1 loss to the Welsh side at the Liberty. Historically though, their record under him has been fantastic- the last loss prior to the Swansea one was way back in 2010.
Arsenal recent form
Newcastle 2-1 Arsenal (Lacazette)
CSKA 2-2 Arsenal (Welbeck, Ramsey)
Arsenal 3-2 Southampton (Aubameyang, Welbeck*2)
Arsenal 4-1 CSKA (Ramsey*2, Lacazette*2)
Arsenal 3-0 Stoke (Aubameyang*2, Lacazette)
West Ham
West Ham 1-1 Stoke (Carroll)
Chelsea 1-1 West Ham (Chicharito)
West Ham 3-0 Southampton (Arnautovic*2, Joao Mario)
West Ham 0-3 Burnley
Swansea 4-1 West Ham (Antonio)
Arsenal v West Ham kicks off on Sunday at 13.30 UK