By Danong
Saturday afternoon at the Emirates, Arsenal welcome West Ham United for the first London derby of the season.
The Gunners are enjoying one of their brightest league starts, 13 points from six games, just two behind leaders Liverpool, despite arguably facing the toughest opening run of fixtures.
West Ham, by contrast, have stumbled out of the blocks. Four points from six matches is a frustrating return for the Hammers, and their early-season woes have already cost Graham Potter his job.
Nuno Espírito Santo has stepped in to replace the former Chelsea and Brighton boss. He took charge of his first West Ham game on Monday.
As many expected, his debut unfolded with a deep defensive setup and a counter-attacking approach. The plan worked: his side ground out a 1-1 draw against an Everton team that’s looked revitalised under Moyes at their new home, the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Arsenal, then, must be ready to break down a West Ham low block; fortunately, that’s precisely what they’ve been doing in their last two Premier League games.
Both Manchester City and Newcastle tried to frustrate them, deploying low blocks to protect early leads.
But Arsenal found a way through, salvaging a draw against City and
snatching all three points against Newcastle.
There’s a new steel to this Arsenal side.
Arteta has been flexing his squad depth, embracing rotation with confidence.
Which eleven he fields on Saturday remains to be seen, but one thing’s sure: it’ll be a strong side.
And with this line-up, the Spaniard can’t go far wrong:
David Raya
Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori
Rice, Odegaard, Eze
Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Talking Points:
Martin Zubimendi could do with a breather and this fixture offers the perfect chance to trial Declan Rice as the lone #6.
A midfield trio of Zubimendi, Mikel Merino and Rice leans defensive, Arteta’s go-to when he wants to play with the handbrake on.
In contrast, a Rice, Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze trio screams attacking intent. It’s bold, expressive and could thrive against a West Ham side likely to sit deep.
Gabriel Martinelli appears to be rediscovering his spark, having scored three goals in his last five games. He’s fired up, and this could be the perfect stage to confirm his resurgence.
Ultimately, this attacking line-up should have enough to undo West Ham’s resistance. It’s a chance for retribution after the 1-0 defeat they handed Arteta’s men last February at the Emirates.
There’s a new steel to this Arsenal side.
Arteta has been flexing his squad depth, embracing rotation with confidence.
Which eleven he fields on Saturday remains to be seen, but one thing’s sure: it’ll be a strong side.
And with this line-up, the Spaniard can’t go far wrong:
David Raya
Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori
Rice, Odegaard, Eze
Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Talking Points:
Martin Zubimendi could do with a breather and this fixture offers the perfect chance to trial Declan Rice as the lone #6.
A midfield trio of Zubimendi, Mikel Merino and Rice leans defensive, Arteta’s go-to when he wants to play with the handbrake on.
In contrast, a Rice, Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze trio screams attacking intent. It’s bold, expressive and could thrive against a West Ham side likely to sit deep.
Gabriel Martinelli appears to be rediscovering his spark, having scored three goals in his last five games. He’s fired up, and this could be the perfect stage to confirm his resurgence.
Ultimately, this attacking line-up should have enough to undo West Ham’s resistance. It’s a chance for retribution after the 1-0 defeat they handed Arteta’s men last February at the Emirates.
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1 comment:
I like that line up COYG
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