Arsenal ignore Hammers’ danger man at their peril

Forty four places lie between Arsenal – in first place- and West Ham, forty fifth in Opta’s Power Ratings – the global ranking system of over 10,000 football clubs. Which would suggest the Hammers are in for a pasting on Saturday. The odds don’t look good for Nuno Espírito Santo’s men with Opta predicting a 76% chance of a home win, with the Irons just a 9% punt.

However, dig a little deeper and there might be more to it: On current form nobody would give West Ham much of a shout. But history says otherwise: Arsenal have lost their previous two home league games against West Ham; a 2-0 defeat in December 2023 and a 1-0 reverse in February of this year.

Suggesting there might yet be a glimmer of hope for the Hammers, with their new manager bounce already evident against Everton, is probably something of a red herring: As per theanalyst.com:

“The Hammers have been in good form on their travels, though, losing just one of their last five away games (W3 D1). Each of their last 10 points in the competition has come away from the London Stadium.”

Which is more a confirmation of dreadful home form rather than inspired performances on their travels. Potter only managed two home wins in nine months.

Whatever the score, Arsenal would do well to take the threat from West Ham’s ‘danger man’ seriously:

“Jarrod Bowen will hope to be the danger man for the visitors. The England forward has been involved in 11 goals in his last 12 Premier League appearances (8 goals, 3 assists) and has five career goals against Arsenal in all competitions, including the winner at the Emirates last season.”

Just about everything, then, apart from blind optimism, points to a Bowen goal and an Arsenal victory. However, Hammers fans won’t start watching  the game hiding behind the sofa, waiting for the Gunners’ goal deluge to start. Under Espírito Santo there is a hope for a more combative style that means the 5-0 thumping disappear in the rear view mirror.  Just don’t mention set pieces.