There were joyous scenes at the Emirates last weekend when Arsenal claimed a 3-1 win over Liverpool to go two points behind the Premier League leaders, but there is no time for the Gunners to rest up.
They head to West Ham on Sunday, who need to pick themselves up from their 3-0 defeat at Manchester United last week, but Mikel Arteta will be mindful that the Old Trafford loss was only the Hammers’ second defeat in their last 12 league outings and that David Moyes’s side won 2-0 in north London in December.
Mikel Arteta defends Arsenal’s celebrations
After Gary Neville said there was a “little bit of immaturity” in Arsenal’s celebrations and Jamie Carragher told Martin Ødegaard to “Just get down the tunnel” after he was seen taking photos with cameraman at FT after Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Liverpool last weekend, Mikel Arteta has hit back.
“Personally, I love it.” He said.
“I love it. I’ve seen managers at the Emirates, away [at other stadiums] on their knees inside the pitch. I’ve seen very big managers going across the touchline in the Premier League. “I think it’s great but it’s my opinion and other people may think something different.”
“It brings such a passion and emotion to the game when it’s done in a natural and unique way,”
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West Ham v Arsenal team news
West Ham striker Michail Antonio is still out with a knee injury, although he is back in training, and the game could also come too early for midfielder Lucas Paqueta.
Alphonse Areola should be fit to play in goal after suffering a bang on the head in last week’s 3-0 defeat at Manchester United.
Bukayo Saka should shake off a knock to be fit for the Gunners while striker Gabriel Jesus faces a late fitness test.
Oleksandr Zinchenko and Thomas Partey are out but Takehiro Tomiyasu should return to the squad following Japan’s exit from the Asian Cup.
West Ham v Arsenal predicted line-ups
West Ham (4-2-3-1): Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson; Alvarez, Soucek; Johnson, Ward-Prowse, Kudus; Bowen.
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Odegaard, Rice, Jorginho; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.
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