Arsenal Super Fan fan gives the lowdown on clash with West Ham this weekend
This is part of a regular series from our panel of Super Fans on upcoming West Ham games. We’re delighted to welcome Dan George as our exclusive Arsenal expert.
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West Ham face-off with Arsenal at the London Stadium on Sunday in a huge Premier League game for both sides.
The Hammers were woeful in their last outing against Manchester United. A second-half own goal from Craig Dawson gifted the Red Devils all three points at Old Trafford.
On the other hand, the Gunners have won their last two matches. They’ve defeated Leicester and Tottenham in the past couple of weeks, coming from a goal down in both games.
We asked Arsenal Super Fan Dan George for his thoughts on the match, what he thinks of the Gunners this season, and a score prediction.
After a poor start, you’re starting to hit form in the Premier League. What has changed in the past few weeks?
The main boost for Arsenal has been the returns of Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney. Both have been crucial to our side this season and have grown into guaranteed starters. Granit Xhaka and Partey have developed a very sound understanding in a two-man pivot and Tierney has solidified himself as one of the best left-backs in the league. Most of our attack comes down the left-hand side through Tierney and his bombing runs.
It’s been good to see so much talent coming through at Arsenal. Who would you say is the best of the youngsters?
Bukayo Saka has been head and shoulders our best player. Scoring crucial goals and grabbing clever assists throughout the campaign, Saka has ensured that we don’t slip too far down the table in our early-season struggles. Emile Smith-Rowe has also been very impressive. However, Saka has been our best player and young player this season so far.
Who would you say has surprised you this campaign in the Arsenal squad?
Since Boxing Day when we played Chelsea, Xhaka has been superb for us. The midfield partnership with Partey has been a revelation and now that he knows he isn’t a guaranteed starter with Dani Ceballos breathing down his neck, he has picked up his game hugely.
Who are the main threats for Arsenal?
Apart from the obvious quality of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, Tierney has very much been one of our biggest attacking threats this season. If we cannot find a way through the defence, then we seem to send the ball out to the left-hand side and pump crosses into the box. Martin Odegaard has stepped up In the last few games as well, providing that creative spark to unlock defences.
How do Arsenal fans feel about Mikel Arteta? Is he preferred to Unai Emery?
Mikel Arteta is most definitely preferred to Unai Emery, simply because he has already won us two trophies. The second a player or manager wins a trophy, they create a bond with the fans and Arteta has already won over I would say 90% of the Arsenal fan base.
How high can you finish this season?
With teams slipping up all over the place, if we put a decent run of form together, we could finish in the top-six. However, Arteta has made it clear that we will be prioritising the Europa League this season as it is our best chance of qualifying for the Champions League.
What do Arsenal fans make of West Ham this season?
West Ham have been a different team this season. A lot of Arsenal fans may make the mistake of overlooking West Ham as an easy three points. However, I for one know that this could be a fatal mistake. The Hammers have been very good this season, with David Moyes pulling off some unbelievable results for Irons fans.
Who do Arsenal fans see as the main threats from West Ham?
The main threats from West Ham come in the form of Thomas Soucek and Jesse Lingard, both have been very good this season. Declan Rice has also been having one of the seasons of his life. Arsenal’s defence should also be wary of Michail Antonio who is a very physical player and will try to upset them.
Do you see any weak spots in the West Ham side that you expect Arsenal to target?
Arsenal will definitely look to target West Ham down the left-hand side. The Hammers don’t specifically have any weak points, but the left-hand side is our strongest weapon.
What’s your prediction for the game and why?
I believe Arsenal will win 2-1. It will be a tight game, but I think the Gunners will have enough firepower to beat the Hammers.
In other West Ham news, here are three things to look out for in the clash with Arsenal.