Arsenal vs West Ham Preview
- Arsenal to win
- Over 3.5 goals
Arsenal look to extend their three-match winning streak in the Premier League when they host London rivals West Ham United at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta’s injury-hit side still have their sights set on chasing league leaders Liverpool, while West Ham’s struggles under Graham Potter continue, leaving the visitors needing a response after a poor run of form.
With Arsenal unbeaten at home in 15 league matches (W11, D4) and West Ham winning just once in their last seven away trips, this fixture heavily favours the Gunners on paper.
However, the Hammers won here last season (2-0) and will be hoping for a repeat performance to halt their own concerning slide down the table.
Arsenal: Chasing the League Leaders
After three consecutive league victories, Arsenal remain in hot pursuit of Liverpool in the title race. Mikel Arteta’s side are unbeaten at home in the Premier League this season, and a fourth straight win would maintain the pressure on the Reds at the top of the table.
Why Arsenal Fans Are Optimistic
- 15-game unbeaten home league run (W11, D4).
- Scored 11 goals in their last two H2Hs vs. West Ham.
- Only conceded four goals in their last six Premier League matches.
However, injuries are beginning to pile up, with Kai Havertz ruled out for the season and Arteta forced to deploy Mikel Merino as an emergency centre-forward in the win over Leicester.
Recent Form (Last Five Matches in All Competitions)
- Premier League: Leicester 0-2 Arsenal – W
- Premier League: Arsenal 2-1 Brighton – W
- Premier League: Wolves 1-3 Arsenal – W
- Carabao Cup: Newcastle 2-0 Arsenal – L
- FA Cup: Arsenal 1-1 Blackburn (Lost on penalties) – L
Key Player: Ethan Nwaneri
- Scored twice and assisted once in his last four appearances.
- Four of his seven goals this season have come between the 30th and 50th minutes.
- Could feature prominently in Arsenal’s attack with Havertz injured.
West Ham United: Struggling Under Potter
West Ham have won just once in their last seven away games (D2, L4), and the early signs under Graham Potter have been far from encouraging.
While they sit comfortably in mid-table, fans have growing concerns about the team’s attacking output, especially with key forwards sidelined.
Why West Ham Fans Are Worried
- One win in seven away games (D2, L4).
- Scored just four goals in their last five matches.
- Lost 11 of their last 12 league visits to Arsenal.
That said, the Irons did win 2-0 here last season, breaking a long H2H losing streak, and they’ll be looking for a repeat performance to reignite their campaign.
Recent Form (Last Five Matches in All Competitions)
- Premier League: West Ham 1-2 Brentford – L
- Premier League: West Ham 0-3 Chelsea – L
- FA Cup: Brighton 2-1 West Ham – L
- Premier League: Sheffield United 2-2 West Ham – D
- Premier League: West Ham 3-2 Fulham – W
Key Player: Tomáš Souček
- Opened the scoring in this fixture last season.
- Could be a key threat from set-pieces.
- Has been booked in three of his last five matches.
Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Meetings)
Date |
Match |
Result |
28/12/24 |
West Ham 0-3 Arsenal |
Arsenal Win |
26/12/23 |
Arsenal 0-2 West Ham |
West Ham Win |
16/04/23 |
West Ham 2-2 Arsenal |
Draw |
26/12/22 |
Arsenal 3-1 West Ham |
Arsenal Win |
01/05/22 |
West Ham 1-2 Arsenal |
Arsenal Win |
Key Trends
- Arsenal have won 11 of their last 12 home league H2Hs.
- West Ham ended their losing streak at the Emirates with a 2-0 win last season.
- Four of the last five meetings have seen at least three goals scored.
Tactical Insights
Arsenal’s Approach
- Control possession and press high up the pitch.
- Look for early goals – West Ham have struggled defensively.
- Use width – West Ham’s full-backs have been exposed in recent matches.
West Ham’s Approach
- Defensive solidity and hit Arsenal on the counter.
- Target set-pieces – Arsenal have looked vulnerable in these situations.
- Exploit Arsenal’s injury issues in attack.
Match Prediction
Arsenal’s home dominance, superior form, and firepower should give them the edge, even with injuries impacting their squad. West Ham’s attacking issues and poor away record make this a tough task for Graham Potter’s side.
However, the visitors have shown they can frustrate Arsenal, and if they defend deep while making the most of set-pieces, they could cause an upset.
Final Score Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 West Ham United
- Arsenal to continue their strong home form.
- West Ham to score but ultimately struggle.
- Nwaneri to be the standout performer.
A win for Arsenal would keep their title challenge alive, while another defeat for West Ham would intensify the scrutiny on Graham Potter’s tenure.
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Arsenal v West Ham, 2024/25 | Premier League