Arsenal are set to host West Ham at the Emirates tonight knowing a victory will send them back to the top of the Premier League.
They will be without Kai Havertz following his suspension, but they will nevertheless be confident of a victory. However, it will not be an easy game.
West Ham will be fresh from their 2-0 victory over Manchester United, and are playing with confidence both domestically and in the Europa League.
David Moyes’ side knocked Arsenal out of the Carabao Cup in November, and Arsenal will be out for revenge. Captain Martin Odegaard has now called for focus from his teammates, highlighting the threat West Ham have on the counter attack.
Martin Odegaard wary of West Ham threat
In his programme notes, Odegaard highlighted Lucas Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus and James Ward-Prowse as players Arsenal should be particularly wary of during the clash.
“West Ham have shown again this season how strong they are. They are solid defensively, good on the counters and they have a lot of physical qualities too,” he stated.
“Also they have individual players who can make the difference on their own. Players like Ward-Prowse, Paqueta, Kudus – lots of them – and when you play a team like that, it’s really important that you are fully prepared, knowing what their strengths are and how to try to stop them.
“We spent a lot of time on that with the coaches and analysts to come up with plans, and then it’s down to us to execute them on the day. We have to understand our roles, be focused in training and in meetings beforehand.”
Arsenal need to be wary of counter-attacks vs West Ham
The three players Odegaard highlighted, as well as attacker Jarrod Bowen, all have the potential to threaten Arsenal on the counter tonight.
Declan Rice will be lining up against his former side, and will aim to block their threat in transition. Mikel Arteta may even be tempted to start Jorginho, and push Rice further up the pitch to counter this.
Rice ranks top amongst all European midfielders for interceptions in the final third, and winning the ball high up the pitch will be crucial for Arsenal.
Fans are also eager to see Emile Smith Rowe start in place of the suspended Havertz, but it is unclear whether Arteta trusts him enough to start in midfield against a team who can be so dangerous on the counter.
It will be a huge victory tonight if Arsenal can secure all three points, and it may not be a straightforward win like in previous home games against the Hammers.
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