So after two successive disappointment’s in cup competitions, we go back to the business of the premiership this weekend with a trip to East London against West Ham. On paper, this match looks pretty straight forward given the disparity in league positions among the two team’s. However, we are still not sure which Arsenal team will turn up for the match. The one that performed so beautifully to beat champions Chelsea or the sub par babies who couldn’t even take out lowly Ipswich.
One thing’s for sure, it would be a much changed side to the one which competed in the cup competitions. I do not expect to see players like Bendtner, Gibbs and Denilson on the subs bench let alone start the match. Instead, we will see the return of Nasri, Van Persie and Clichy to add some bite especially in the attack.
The team’s offence has been very poor for the past two games. This has got to be down to the players forming the attacking unit in those games. We know Bendtner is not go enough to lead the line (Arsene is probably putting him out in the shop window for both matches) while the two wide players, Walcott and Arshavin are suffering from low self confidence. I am sad to see both of them perform so badly because I think we need both of them to be firing if we are to challenge for honours in all four competitions. Walcott really needs to regain his form he showed earlier in the season. It seems like he is trying too hard and not getting the results. On the other hand, Arshavin needs to try harder. He seems to give up most of the time when his tricks or passes does not go through. It’s definitely a mental issue so if we can’t straighten him out may be it’s time to ship him out.
The Gunners are also facing some injury concerns especially to our skipper and goalkeeper. Wojciech has proven to be a capable replacement for Fabianski but the loss of Fabregas would be a concern. Thankfully we have Nasri and Van Persie back to run things in midfield.
We have quite a good recent record against the Hammers, having beaten them in our last three meetings. They are another inconsistent side who had performed badly in the premiership but continue their good run in the cup competitions. Avram Grant’s job is on the line so it looks like a game he cannot afford to lose.
Submitted by The Arsenal Kid
