Arsenal will aim to regain the top spot when they host West Ham United, with David Moyes eager to break his Emirates hoodoo.
Mikel Arteta was the happier of the two managers at Anfield as Arsenal left Merseyside with a crucial point in the title race. It was a game for Liverpool not to lose, but the result was a significant step forward for the Gunners in the context of the battle at the top. Arsenal next face West Ham United at home on Thursday.
Mohamed Salah’s strike midway through the first half responded to Gabriel Magalhaes’s early header. Both teams had their chances for the rest of the encounter but settled for a high-quality draw in the end. Following the Boxing Day action, Liverpool have moved to the top, and Arsenal will now aim to regain their spot at the summit when they take on West Ham United.
With two games coming in quick succession for the Gunners, they must aim for six points in those, starting with a tricky visit from West Ham. Mikel Arteta will want his side to keep momentum and maintain composure to showcase the class of a title-challenging side and will want another solid performance from his players.
West Ham continue to have a puzzling season, as their recent trajectory tends to show. David Moyes would have been delighted at their showing against Manchester United last weekend, where goals from Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus sealed the three points, which also took the Hammers to the sixth spot.
Manchester United’s win on Tuesday meant the Red Devils leapfrogged West Ham. But even Brighton could go past them if they manage a win over Tottenham. However, Moyes will surely want them to regain the sixth spot with a stellar win over the Gunners, something the Scotsman has never done before in his managerial career.
It is a talking point about Moyes’s career, as he has yet to manage an away win at Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, or Chelsea. He will surely sense an opportunity to get one over the Gunners this time around as he takes his in-form side to the Emirates for a crunch festive meeting.
Team News & Tactics
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has no fresh concerns with his players, as he could welcome a few back into his matchday squad. Mohamed Elneny and Jorginho could return to the setup after missing a few games through respective fitness issues.
Some unconfirmed reports stated Thomas Partey was close to a return. But even if that is the case, Arteta is unlikely to select the midfielder so soon. The midfield is where they are missing most players, as Arsenal will be without Kai Havertz after he picked his fifth booking of the season.
Leandro Trossard should ideally replace the German in the middle of the park to partner with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. Beyond that, Arteta may keep everyone from his starting eleven from Anfield, with Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba marshalling the central defensive zone.
Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus should all start up front for Arsenal. Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe could provide some firepower off the bench alongside Reiss Nelson. But beyond that, the Gunners have weak depth in defence, with only Jakub Kiwior and Cedric in a position to replace some of the starters.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Raya; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Trossard; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
West Ham United
David Moyes does not have too many concerns before the visit to Arsenal. Michail Antonio is the only confirmed absentee for this tip, although there are doubts about Nayef Aguerd and Maxwel Cornet. The former did not start against Manchester United, which might remain the case in the next game.
Konstantinos Mavropanos had a shaky game against Manchester United. But Moyes will hope he is pumped up ahead of the visit to his former side. Alongside Kurt Zouma, the duo will operate at the heart of the defence. Vladimir Coufal and Emerson are best placed to start in the full-back roles.
Moyes might name an unchanged lineup from their previous game, meaning Edson Alvarez and Tomas Soucek will retain their places in central midfield. James Ward-Prowse will continue to operate in the No.10 role and provide the creative spark for the attackers.
In that aspect, Lucas Paqueta remains a significant threat for Arsenal, with the Brazilian operating from the left side. Mohammed Kudus will come in from the right as Bowen will keep his spot in the No.9 role, and Moyes will hope to see England International continue his goalscoring form.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Areola; Coufal, Mavropanos, Zouma, Emerson; Alvarez, Soucek; Kudus, Ward-Prowse, Paqueta; Bowen
Key Stats
- Arsenal have won their last eight home matches against West Ham in all competitions.
- Arsenal are undefeated in 17 of their last 19 matches in the Premier League.
- Arsenal are unbeaten at home this season in all competitions.
- David Moyes is yet to win an away game against Arsenal in his managerial career.
- West Ham have won their last two games in the Premier League without conceding a goal.
Player to Watch
Declan Rice
Availability plus world-class performances combination in a player. Declan Rice is a massive signing. pic.twitter.com/v3CvvpmvZ6
— Gooner Eurychus 🇰🇪⚽ (@Gooner_Eurychus) December 27, 2023
Rice has a big stage set for him as Arsenal welcome his former side West Ham to the Emirates. The English midfielder has had a fantastic season and has already given a Player of the Year shout for his performances, taking the Gunners into a title challenge.
Despite that, there are suggestions that West Ham have been better without Rice in their midfield, something the midfielder would like to set the record straight about. The England international will have a big task ahead as Mikel Arteta and the fans will hope for another top-notch display to take the Gunners back on top.
Prediction
Arsenal 3-1 West Ham United
Following West Ham’s cup win over the Gunners earlier in the season, some might cast doubts over Arsenal’s credentials in this fixture. Not all will call them outright favourites to win this clash, but there’s no beating Mikel Arteta’s men at the Emirates this season.
Hence, while the Hammers come into this game in top form and on the back of a win over Manchester United, the Gunners have the firepower to nullify the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus. Arteta’s side are clear favourites to win, but the Hammers have the quality to score a goal past an otherwise stubborn defence of the home side.
