Today’s game at the Emirates Stadium was always going to be tough enough for West Ham and Nuno Espirito Santo.
Arsenal are looking like the form team in the Premier League and are by far the best side at set pieces — precisely where the Hammers are weakest.
The best against the worst at corners was always going to be something of a mismatch, but Nuno has been working hard on the training ground to rectify the situation. Asked in his pre-match press conference if West Ham had a small problem at set pieces, the Hammers coach replied: “No, it’s a big problem.”
Gabriel Injury Update
West Ham at least believed there would be some respite this weekend, with powerhouse defender and set-piece specialist Gabriel injured during midweek. Unfortunately, that hope hasn’t lasted long. The man who scored the last-gasp winner against Newcastle now appears to be available to terrorise Nuno’s men from corners.
Arsenal v West Ham: The Hammers will be hoping Gabriel misses the fixture but he was pictured training
Mikel Arteta has suggested Gabriel could feature this weekend following his injury scare against Olympiacos. The Brazilian centre-back returned to training after being forced off in the second half of Arsenal’s Champions League win.
Arteta confirmed Gabriel was undergoing a late fitness assessment but sounded optimistic about his chances of playing. His availability would be a major boost for Arsenal and particularly for those pesky set-pieces.
Paqueta – Rodrigues – Potts in midfield: here’s hoping 😉
Not sure Arsenal will be overly concerned about corners being the only way to score against us? Just shoot slightly wide of of our little goalkeeper, simple. 🙏🏻, feeling more confident though.
I reckon if Nuno plays Potts next too Kilman we should be in better shape against Arsenal, fingers crossed. i pretty sure that Nuno has been working on seohn ok a rise lets say 5 grand a week 20 gramn-plays all week and how 2 keep them out. change of subject. iv just been reading about our ”ROCKET” of a left back Malik Diofe and how the pundit involved think he’s worth 30-35 million already after just a few weeks. and that most of the top 6 will be sniffing around us 4 him come the January window. so the way i look at is we give him a bonus lets say 5 grand a week like 20 grand a month. surely that’s peanuts 2 keep him with us and keep us from getting relegated guys, don’t you think ??? C O Y I’s
Cheers Paul.
Just don’t give Arsenal any corners – simple!