News

COYI – the Gooners have others things on their mind

|

By Allen Cummings

There’s no disguising the disappointment at not securing three points on Monday evening but Sunday is another day, and there is every chance we can go to the Emirates and take one point – possibly three.

Beaten just twice at home this season by both Manchester clubs, City and United, Arsenal are a formidable force on their own turf but this could be the right time to play them over there.

Arsene Wenger admitted in today’s press conference that the Europa League Semi Final against Athletico Madrid on the following Thursday is the priority. He added they want to win all home matches but the Irons clearly want it more given the circumstances.

The Frenchman  rang  the changes for the recent Southampton game ahead of the Moscow game. They got away with that one – but only just. Moyes on the other hand will have his full attention fixed on picking up whatever points he can, to ensure our club is playing Premier League football again next season.

Monday night’s bench, and the manager’s ultimate use of three very influential substitutes, will give him the kind of selection problem he would loved to have had the luxury of on far more occasions this season. It could be, barring any unforeseen circumstances, our strongest squad of the season so far. Just when we need it

There’s certainly no reason to go into the game with trepidation. We’ve enjoyed some unlikely victories against the Gunners on their patch over the years. Two season’s ago we shocked them winning 2-0 on the opening day of the season.

And regular away supporters will know we still like to sing about how we were the last team to beat Arsenal at their former home of Highbury, a 3-2 victory (Reo-Coker, Zamora and Etherington scoring) in February 2006.

Then became the first opponents to win at the new Emirates Stadium in April 2007, Bobby Zamora getting the only goal of the game.

Sunday is a big game for us. The way we went to Stamford Bridge recently and secured a point should give us confidence. Arsenal’s defence is known for being less than watertight on occasions.

We can exploit that frailty and end the day with a very satisfied smile on our faces!

Share this article

Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!"

Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon