West Ham United FC
Arsenal FC
Arsenal FC
Intriguing London derby sees top four chasing West Ham take on up and down Arsenal
West Ham 1-1 Arsenal
West Ham remain very much in the mix for a top four finish this season, despite losing their game against Manchester United last weekend.
While disappointing for much of that match, the Hammers’ general form has been excellent of late, and are within touching distance of Chelsea in 4th. Should they win here, they’ll go level on points.
They’ve also had the benefit of a week since their last match, an element of rest which is surely much appreciated at this stage of the season.
Arsenal have not had that luxury, being in action in the Europa League in midweek, but they will be boosted by their progress to the quarter finals of the competition, as well as their terrific win over Tottenham in the league last weekend.
In truth, they were the far better side and have enjoyed a fantastic record over the other big teams this season, despite sitting in mid table.
Form Guide (all comps): WWLWL
Reasons to be cheerful:
Welcome back Jesse Lingard here
Their eight wins in 2021 is second only to Man City
Reasons to be fearful:
Have only won eight of the previous 49 meetings with Arsenal
Haven’t won four home games in a row since 2002
West Ham have a great opportunity to win four consecutive home games in the Premier League for the first time since 2002, though will find it difficult against a confident Arsenal side here.
The home side will have Jesse Lingard back in their ranks, who was unable to play against his parent club Manchester United last weekend – he’s started brightly since he joined on a loan spell in January.
Fans will have been disappointed with they way in which they sat back against Man United last week, showing little sign of taking them game to them, in the first half at least. They went on to lose 1-0, though their recent form has been good.
Other than two defeats against both Manchester clubs, the Hammers are unbeaten since the end of January, and their eight wins since the turn of the year is more than any club other than City.
Star Man – Jesse Lingard
He has four goals and two assists in the six league games since he joined, and will welcomed back into the starting line-up.
Form Guide (all comps): WDWWL
Reasons to be cheerful:
Away points tally this season has already equalled that of last season
Progressing through in Europe will boost confidence
Reasons to be fearful:
Bukayo Saka is a doubt here due to a hamstring issue
Lost eight of their 14 games against sides in the top 10
As usual this season, Arsenal have flattered to deceive at every turn, disappointing fans against sides who a club of their size would be expected to beat, while coming out on top in many of the bigger matches.
They were brilliant against Tottenham last weekend, always looking in control of the match despite going behind early in the piece.
Coming off the back of that game, as well as progressing to the Europa League quarter finals in midweek, you’d think that they would be favourites here, but there just hasn’t been that consistency to Arsenal this season.
They do have a good record against West Ham over the years, but the home side are a far improved outfit this season and will present a huge test here.
Star Man – Alexandre Lacazette
The striker has four goals in his last five appearances against the Hammers.
Fascinating London encounter
West Ham need to be positive
Can Arsenal continue good form?
West Ham will have the intention of claiming something from this match, however their main thought will be “Don’t get beaten”.
With only three points between them and Chelsea, even a point will be helpful at this stage.
For Arsenal, three points here could set up a late charge for a European spot for next season, though nothing is guaranteed with them at the moment.
West Ham 1-1 Arsenal
