Anthony Onifade

Sat 15 April 2023 8:10, UK

Joleon Lescott predicts Arsenal will have too much for West Ham United and their “shaky” defence in their Premier League clash at the London Stadium on Sunday [16 April].

David Moyes once again eased calls for his sacking with a scrappy if unspectacular 1-0 win against Fulham on Saturday (8 April) that took the Hammers up to 14th in the Premier League table and three points clear of the relegation places.

And Lescott believes another win for the Hammers could be monumental for their Premier League safety hopes but unfortunately does not see that happening on Sunday.

The former Manchester City and Everton defender told Livescore [14 April]: “That was a huge win at Fulham for West Ham and like Wolves, another win here would be monumental for their survival prospects.

“I don’t see it though. Arsenal should be able to cause a shaky home defence plenty of problems.

“Prediction: West Ham 1-3 Arsenal.”

Difficult test

How West Ham United will pick themselves up again for Sunday’s difficult test against league leaders Arsenal who are playing such scintillating football right now is very uncertain.

On paper, the Hammers should have enough to trouble Arsenal, especially on their own turf but the way this season’s gone, many will predict, like Lescott, that the Gunners will run away with the victory at the London Stadium, plunging Moyes into further relegation trouble.

How the former Everton boss approaches this encounter will be very intriguing but we can almost predict how they will tactically fare, with the Irons sitting back and soaking up pressure before trying to break on the counter.

Mikel Arteta has certainly found ways this season to nullify those kinds of threats which means Moyes may have to think of another way to beat the Gunners.

However, as he has proved on numerous occasions this season, he is not tactically flexible and fails to adapt to the players at his disposal which could mean an unlikely win on Sunday is almost impossible. Difficult.