Premier League: Arsenal Aim to Gun Down Hammers from Top Four

Arsenal vs West Ham United

Arsenal and West Ham United collide this midweek at the Emirates for a very important London derby.

After a couple of stumbles in recent weeks, West Ham’s hold on fourth place in the Premier League has weakened significantly and failure to defeat Arsenal could result in them falling from that spot.

Following their own set of setbacks, Arsenal are coming off a confidence-boosting win over the weekend, and the Premier League 2021 betting odds fancy their chances of taking down the Hammers at home.

Talking Points

Arsenal get back on track

After back-to-back away defeats to Manchester United and Everton, Arsenal got back to winning ways with an impressive 3-0 win over Southampton. Alexandre Lacazette, Martin Odegaard, and Gabriel got the goals for the Gunners, who are sixth in the table.

Arsenal could have scored even more, but both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli could only hit the woodwork. Martinelli is making a strong case to be a regular starter after providing a goal and two assists in his last four appearances.

Similarly, Kieran Tierney appears to have done enough to reclaim his starting left-back spot over young Nuno Tavares. The Scot has started the last two games and has provided two assists.

Meanwhile, Lacazette finally ended his weeks-long goal drought by getting just his second league goal of the season. The French forward will likely continue to start at centre-forward after coach Mikel Arteta dropped captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the squad due to a disciplinary breach.

Martin Odegaard started in the No. 10 role just behind Lacazette, but Emile Smith Rowe is a strong candidate to return to the starting lineup after missing out due to injury.

Arsenal have been outstanding at home this season. Since their loss to Chelsea, they have gone unbeaten in their last seven at the Emirates, with six wins and one draw. Moreover, they have kept a clean sheet in each of their last three.

Hammers lacking attacking edge

West Ham’s Premier League 2021 results over the last month has been a roller coaster ride. While their wins over title challengers Liverpool and European champions Chelsea were huge, they also lost to Wolves and were held to draws by Brighton and Burnley. As a result, they are now only one point clear of Manchester United for fourth place.

David Moyes’ squad is being stretched to its limits, particularly in defence. Angelo Ogbonna is out for the season, while Kurt Zouma, Aaron Cresswell, and Ben Johnson also missed their weekend match due to injuries.

Cresswell could be in contention to return in midweek, but if not, Arthur Masuaku should continue to deputise at left-back with Issa Diop and Craig Dawson remaining at the heart of the defence.

Meanwhile, the Hammers are still waiting for Michail Antonio to snap out of his recent slump. The forward – who leads the team with six goals – has not scored in his last seven league appearances.

Moyes could also rotate the attacking midfield trio behind Antonio to shake up the attack. Pablo Fornals and Nikola Vlasic both came on as substitutes against Burnley and could get the start at the Emirates.

After a terrific start away from home, the Hammers have since lost their last three outside the London Stadium. They have also scored just one goal during that time, a late Manuel Lanzini consolation in their 2-1 loss to Manchester City.

History

Arsenal have utterly dominated this particular London derby against West Ham in the Premier League era. They have a 32-8 edge in terms of wins, while there have been 10 draws.

The Hammers have won just one of the last 12 league derbies against the Gunners, who have won eight.

Arsenal won their match at the Emirates last season 2-1 thanks to goals from Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah.

The Hammers looked well on course to get their revenge by going 3-0 up at the London Stadium. However, Arsenal made a stunning comeback – aided by two West Ham own goals – to salvage a 3-3 draw.

Betting Tip 

	Arsenal vs West Ham United	1X2 Draw @ 3.35
	December 16, 4:00 (GMT+8)

SBOTOP odds have Arsenal as slight 2.20 favourites to beat West Ham, who are priced at 3.15. Meanwhile, a draw is at 3.35.

While West Ham are in a bit of slump, they showed against Chelsea that they still have the resilience to rise up for the big occasion like a London derby.

Their visit to Arsenal should produce another response from David Moyes’ men, who will not be keen to surrender fourth place without a fight. Look for the Gunners and the Hammers to play out a competitive draw at the Emirates.

 

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