please log in to view this image please log in to view this image Arsenal travel to Upton Park this Saturday to take on West Ham United in another London Derby. Arsenal will go into this game after losing their unbeaten record against Chelsea in the league last week. The manner of the defeat raised some serious questions, as Arsenal conceded two sloppy goals and those are goals that undermine this new defensive structure that Arsenal have implemented this season. And against West Ham, they will be tested on set pieces, so the Gunners will have to learn from the mistakes made in the previous league game. In between the games against Chelsea and West Ham, Arsenal had to take on Olympiacos at the Emirates, and despite a dodgy performance in the first half, the Gunners ran out 3-1 winners in the end and that win has placed them in a very good position in their group. But back in the league, they will have to bounce back from the Chelsea defeat and that is not going to be a simple task against a tough West Ham side. The Hammers are actually above Arsenal in the current league table and they will go into the game on the back of a win at Loftus Road against Queens Park Rangers. Despite late pressure from QPR, West Ham held on for a brilliant away win. And of all the newly promoted teams, West Ham have made the most impressive start. They have only lost once and are still unbeaten at home. They also won the previous two London derby’s they have played this season after beating both Fulham and QPR. But unlike Southampton and Reading, West Ham have yet to face any one of the top five from last season and Saturday will be their first big test. West Ham bounced straight back up from the Championship after getting relegated in 2011. In that season, they got beat by Arsenal home and away, The Gunners brushed them aside at Upton Park and West Ham really did look like a team that was on their way down in that game. But after some investment in the squad and a change of manager, they are back and they look a lot stronger and much more organised. But that is what everyone expects from a Sam Allardyce side. And Allardyce loves to take on Arsenal and he has given them plenty of problems in the past. This Saturday will be the first time he takes on the Gunners with his new club. West Ham spent well in the transfer window and they brought in seasoned players who know what it takes to survive and perform in the Premier League. The likes of Yossi Benayoun, Mohamed Diame, Jussi Jaaskelainen and James Collins have improved their squad and Diame has brought West Ham some really power in the heart of their midfield alongside Mark Noble. James Collins has been around the block and he has added the experience needed to take charge of that West Ham defence. David Gold and David Sullivan have backed their manager and so far Allardyce has delivered. After getting relegated in 2011, they sacked Avram Grant and appointed Sam Allardyce. It was a wise and solid choice because you know what you will get from him. One of the best and most shrewd signings West Ham have made in recent years was the signing of Kevin Nolan from Newcastle. He is a player that has performed with great consistency for so many years now and his goals helped West Ham in their promotion charge last year. From midfield, he bagged 12 goals last season in the championship and he already has three goals to his name this season in the Premier League. Playing from midfield, he times his runs into the box well and if the Gunners allow him to drift into dangerous areas, then he will punish them. As well as the solid and reliable signings, West Ham broke the bank and signed Matt Jarvis and made him their record signing. West Ham paid Wolves £10 Mil for his services and Jarvis has the talent to really make his mark at his new club. Matt Jarvis has one senior England cap to his name and his pace and trickery will be a threat this Saturday. But Jervis will take on Carl Jenkinson, a player who gets better with every game and he has been one of Arsenal’s best players this season. As well Jarvis, West Ham brought in another England international in Andy Carroll. This time it was only a loan with an option to buy from Liverpool. Andy Carroll was not wanted by new Liverpool manager, Bendan Rodgers and so Carroll had to move to get any game time. Carroll cost Liveprool £35 Million but he could never settle at Liverpool and despite a few good moments, he was branded a failure at Liverpool. Carroll has only started the one game for West Ham and he made a massive impact for them in their game against Fulham at Upton Park. Carroll created the first goal with a knock down and just unsettled the Fulham defence with his height and power. Also Carroll was the focal point of West Ham’s attacks and he thrived on the service. But during that game he picked up a hamstring injury and has not started a game since, but did come on as a late sub against QPR this week. Carroll will try and bully the Arsenal defence, but with the likes of Mertesacker and Vermaelen, that is easier said than done. Arsenal will hope that their two CB’s can deal with Carroll like they dealt with Peter Crouch at the Britannia earlier in the season. That was a commending performance from the Arsenal defence and since then, they have not looked as reliable. Per Mertesacker was dropped for the game against Chelsea and his calm authority was sorely missed. Against Olympiacos, the big German missed the game after falling ill, but he is expected to recover and be fit for the game against West Ham United. In attack, Arsenal’s front three keeps changing from game to game. Against Olympiacos, Alex-Olade Chamberlain was brought into the first team and he did not take his chance after a disappointing displaying, the young winger was taken off and replaced by Theo Walcott. A man that has started one league game this season. The last time Arsenal visited Upton Park, Walcott ripped West Ham to pieces. He scored, assisted and won a penalty. Walcott could have started this game but with him not signing a new contract, Wenger has been reluctant to start the Englishmen. Olivier Giroud has not started in the previous three league games and he has yet to register a shot on target in the league, but he did impress in his cameo against Olympiacos in mid-week. He assisted Aaaron Ramsey after flicking on a long ball. Giroud looked a lot sharper and he could be in line for a rare league start. West Ham will be a major threat from set pieces and Giroud’s height will come in use. The man that is currently starting through the middle is Gervinho and he has five goals to his name, he only scored four in the whole of last season. The Ivorian has shown a lot of improvements but he still does not give Arsenal any consistency. Whenever, Arsenal have come up against a Sam Allardyce team, they have known what to expect, but they have not always overcome his tactics and in fact he had the hoodoo over Arsenal when he was manager of Bolton, especially at the Reebok Stadium. West Ham have committed the most fouls in the league this season and against QPR, they had eight players booked. Arsenal know that they are in for a physical test and if they can withstand that then they can impose their superior footballing ability on the game. It’s another London derby for Arsenal in the league, and it’s going to be another tough game. Team News: Arsene Wenger: Form Guide: please log in to view this image Three Key Match-ups: Andy Carroll please log in to view this image Matt Jarvis please log in to view this image Mohamed Diamé please log in to view this image Overall Record vs West Ham United: Played: 118 Wins: 50 Draws: 36 Losses: 32 For: 176 Against: 136 Goal Difference: 40 Last Six Meetings: West Ham United 0 - 3 Arsenal Arsenal 1 - 0 West Ham United Arsenal 2 - 0 West Ham United West Ham United 1 - 2 Arsenal (FA Cup) West Ham United 2 - 2 Arsenal Arsenal 0 - 0 West Ham United please log in to view this image Managers Views: Arsene Wenger on using Gervinho as a centre forward: My Team: please log in to view this image Final Score: please log in to view this image
Perfect game for Giroud this. I think we need to concentrate on keeping the ball in West Ham's half and keeping their defenders occupied. Giroud is the ideal player to do this. I hope he gets a goal, but to be honest I will be happy with him again if he provides another assist. He is quietly becoming an important player for us
I think Wenger pretty much needs to rotate as the players haven't even had 3 days rest. I wouldn't even be surprised if Arshavin plays some role. Sent from a mobile device.
Saw on MOTD2 that West Ham have the most fouls per game for any Premier League team. Hopefully we'll get a ref who saw that and decides to clamp down on them.
Some pics from training. please log in to view this image please log in to view this image (A welcome sight) please log in to view this image please log in to view this image
West Ham will struggle with pace and power of Podolski and Gervinho. Would be a good idea to have Giroud start this one as well to give them something else to think about. Keep Walcott as an impact sub. I think Mert will give our defence some much needed solidity. It's no surprise that since Koscielny came back we have not looked as assured defensively. A partnership of him and Vermaelen is simply too unbalanced to work at this level...
I watched that game and in fairness, the referee was absolutely ****e. And it was Mark Clattenburg who officiated that game. West Ham are physical but I don't feel that match warranted so many bookings. Having said that, this game will truly test our defence's resolve. West Ham will long ball it all day and Fat Sam knows how to get the better of Arsenal.
One of Coquelin or Ramsey will have to play in midfield. Coquelin struggled with the way Olympiakos pressed us so i guess its Ramsey
I'm there with some clients who are Hammers fans. Going to be surrounded by the buggers, but it's a free ticket, free drink & free food
put koscielny in midfield if we really want some muscle in there. otherwise the three of coquelin (if fit) arteta (if fit) and cazorla will do. if not, ramsey and chambo are there, but i don't like that combo.
Corporate who*e! You gonna be eating club prawn sandwiches too? Are you going to be drinking and laughing pointing at all the other fans, saying he he, look at those commoners, the sight of them fills me with dread and contempt, little peons, who on earth let them out of the cages this afternoon?
I'm scared by your wingers, I think they will rip our FBs a new one. Despite what everyone says, we do play it on the floor aswell, but that would probably play into Arsenals hands. GL for the game and for the season, allways liked Arsenal
In the training pics I swear someone mentioned that white is starting and green bibs are subs. If that is the case then Gibbs, Gerv and Coq are all on the bench or am I just talking out of my blow hole? If I am right then team looks to be Mannone Jenkinson Mert TV Santos? Ramsey/OXO Arteta Cazorla Ramsey/OXO Giroud Pod
