Arsenal host West Ham at the Emirates in their final Premier League game before the October international break. The match kicks off a stretch of comparatively easier contests in the PL (minus Crystal Palace) than the Gunners’ opening slate. The Hammers visit with newly-appointed manager Nuno Espirito Santo taking charge of his second match, and his first with a full week of training behind him. West Ham are in 19th place after a dreadful start to the season but drew their first contest under Nuno last week against Everton.
West Ham are an Arsenal bogey team lately, and for the Gunners to win the title this season, that has to change. They simply cannot drop points against lesser teams, particularly ones in poor form. Arsenal have won just two of the last six against West Ham in all competitions. The Hammers have won two-straight at the Emirates, too. Jarrod Bowen, who has been a particular thorn in Arsenal’s side, is off to a strong start to the season — his three goals this season tie him for fifth best in the Premier League with a long list of players.
Nuno’s calling card as a manager has been defense. His sides are organized and tough to break down, and they look to hit on the counter. There’s no reason to expect anything different at the Emirates. Arsenal will need to make sure the aforementioned Bowen and Crysencio Summerville aren’t running free in space at the backline. The Gunners will also key on Lucas Paqueta, West Ham’s primary ball-progressing and creative threat. The Brazilian should have a tough time with Martin Ødegaard harrying, Declan Rice disrupting, and Martin Zubimendi behind them. Keep an eye on 20-year-old fullback El Hadji Malick Diouf — he’s fast, loves to get forward, and has already picked up three assists this season.
West Ham have conceded eight goals from corners in the Premier League already this season, and we know that Arsenal specialize in scoring from the dead ball. Undoubtedly, Nuno and his staff will have spent time this week working to improve that shortcoming. Will it be enough? I’m skeptical. The Hammers might get a bit of a reprieve, though. Gabriel, who was taken off against Olympiacos as a precaution, might not be available for selection. The Brazilian CB is arguably the biggest scoring threat from corners in the world right now.
There are no new injuries to report on Arsenal’s side of the ledger. Piero Hincapie could return to action after the international break. Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Jesus are all out longer with knee problems, although you might start hearing about any or all of them returning to training later this month.
West Ham will be without Tomas Soucek, who is serving the last of his three-match ban for his red card against Tottenham. Young midfielder George Earthy misses out with a hamstring problem.
Lineups will be posted when available.
WHAT: Arsenal vs. West Ham
WHERE: The Emirates
WHEN: Saturday, October 4th 7 am PT | 10 am ET | 3 pm BST
US TV: Streaming on Peacock.
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