Arsenal hope to clinch a fourth successive victory in all competitions when they host West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
The Gunners have enjoyed a prosperous week heading into their final fixture before the October international break, securing a crucial, last-gasp victory over Newcastle United before beating Olympiacos in the Champions League midweek. Confidence is sky high for Mikel Arteta’s men, who know they can finish the weekend at the Premier League’s summit.
Arsenal simply need to beat the struggling Hammers and hope Chelsea take points off Liverpool later in the day to clinch top spot before club football’s hiatus, although their recent record against West Ham suggests they can ill-afford a half-hearted performance at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners have lost their last two home duels with West Ham and have only won two of the last six meetings—albeit they were high-scoring victories at the London Stadium. The Irons, now under the guidance of Nuno Espírito Santo, will be buoyed by their strong record in this fixture.
Espírito Santo managed a draw in difficult circumstances during his first match at the helm, securing a hard-fought point at Everton last Monday. The Portuguese coach should solidify West Ham’s previously leaky defence and such rigidity will be required to keep Arsenal at bay on Saturday.
Here is guide to an all-London affair.
