WHZ View: Well-rested West Ham ace Lingard should be raring to go v Arsenal
West Ham ace Jesse Lingard should be well-rested and raring to go on Sunday as the Hammers face Arsenal in the Premier League.
The 28-year-old was unavailable for selection last weekend as we lost 1-0 to Manchester United at Old Trafford. His absence in the XI was obvious, we missed his turn of pace and attacking spark.
Lingard will be crucial to the Hammers this weekend if we’re to get one over on our London rivals. Admittedly, we have a hideous record against Arsenal. We’ve won just twice in the last 28 competitive meetings between the two sides.
The Gunners put on a good performance against Tottenham on Sunday, having gone a goal down in the first half. The Gunners won 2-1 thanks to goals from Martin Odegaard and Alexandre Lacazette. That’s not to say everyone played well, though, and that’s where it gets interesting for Hammers fans.
Portuguese right-back Cedric Soares had an afternoon to forget despite the win. He won just 37% of his defensive duels and lost possession 14 times during the match [WyScout]. Lamela’s stunning opener also came from the right, whilst he was chasing shadows.
On three occasions he had to defend 1v1, and each time he was skinned. An example of his shambolic defending can be seen below. Lucas Moura is yet to receive the ball, but Cedric is already overly eager to put pressure on him.
Moura lets the ball run across his body, shielding it away from Cerdic. The Brazilian is one step ahead of the Arsenal number 18 and uses his own momentum against him.
The Spurs winger turns and bursts away with the ball, leaving Cedric in a heap on the floor. Gareth Bale and Tanguy Ndombele also got the better of him in the match. This sort of on-rushing defending plays into the hands of our number 11.
Lingard must have been sitting at home, rubbing his hands at the prospect of running at Cedric this weekend. The former England international has been enjoying his football at West Ham, which is showing in his stats.
In just six matches for the Hammers, Lingard has five goal involvements and two penalties won. He’s attempted 39 dribbles and has completed 71.4% of crosses successfully. The Englishman will surely be looking to single out Cedric on Sunday and run at him.
Given he’s had a weeks rest too, Cedric could be in for a long afternoon.
In other West Ham news, here are three players who’ve played for both the Hammers and the Gunners.