Forget Ethan Nwaneri, this Arsenal player has shown Mikel Arteta he has the skill to unlock West Ham in the upcoming Premier League clash

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Arsenal know that this could be yet another pivotal weekend in the race for the title and one they need to gain the upper hand in.

Arsenal prepare to welcome West Ham to the Emirates Stadium and Hammers boss Graham Potter says his side are coming with a plan in order to disrupt the Gunners bid for the Premier League.

Mikel Merino could start the game in an auxiliary striker role in the Arsenal predicted XI following the poor showing from Raheem Sterling against Leicester City.

Mikel Arteta heaped praise on Ethan Nwaneri for his excellent display in the win last time out but against a stubborn West Ham defence, it could be another Arsenal player that has the capabilities to unlock the door.

READ MORE: Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta completely disagrees with what Gary Neville has said about Raheem Sterling

Martin Odegaard has the best through-ball success rate in the Premier League

Despite not being at his dazzling best so far this season, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard currently has the best through-ball success rate in the Premier League.

Arteta needs Odegaard to score more goals in the absence of the likes of Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka but the Norwegian is beginning to pull the strings for other team mates to profit from.

In the second half against Leicester, Odegaard produced a captain’s performance by dragging his side forward and was instrumental in the Gunners finally breaking down the stubborn resistance.

With the Hammers ready to set up deep defensively and try to counter Arteta’s side, Odegaard will be the key once again to find a magical pass in tight spaces around the area.

Mikel Arteta hints at support for Raheem Sterling behind the scenes at Arsenal

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal v West Ham, Gunners boss Arteta has been speaking about the confidence of Sterling and what the club are doing in order to help the winger regain his best form.

Arteta stated: “we try to give him as much as possible. That’s a question for him but we are all behind him, we all want the best for him. He’s going to be really important so we need him at his best. We only need players with that mindset; to be here and impact the team.”

The Arsenal boss knows the importance of Sterling and praised his experience and attitude ahead of a crucial run of fixtures where his qualities will be needed.

Arteta explained: “I see a player who is so experienced, he knows it’s about the next action, the next action and the next action. Apart from that there is nothing else to live. He is doing everything he possibly can to make it work.”