Arsenal head into their final match before the international break knowing momentum must be preserved.
The midweek victory over Olympiacos in the Champions League was not the most fluent performance, yet it was a third consecutive win and a reminder of the squad’s resilience.
West Ham United will visit the Emirates under new leadership, with Nuno Espirito Santo already showing signs of stabilising the side.
His arrival ensures this will not be straightforward, but Arsenal’s depth and confidence give them the edge if they can reproduce their recent intensity.
The London derby comes at a key juncture. Arsenal are within striking distance of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table, and victory on Saturday could briefly take them above the champions before their meeting with Chelsea later in the day.
For Mikel Arteta, it is another opportunity to underline the progress of his team in a demanding season.
Speaking at his press conferenceArteta was clear about the challenge ahead. “We want to continue to play and flow and dominate games in the manner that we are doing, and it’s going to be a key fixture,” he said.
“We learned in the last two seasons as well, because we had two defeats against them here, and it’s something we need to put right.”
That home record against West Ham cannot be ignored. The Hammers have won their last two visits to the Emirates without conceding, something no other London club has managed in recent years.
Arteta acknowledged the difficulty, particularly with a new manager in the opposition dugout. “We know Nuno really well, the way he sets his team. So we expect a really tough match,” he added.
Yet there is a sense that Arsenal are better equipped to handle such obstacles. The win at Newcastle last weekend demonstrated their ability to turn adversity into opportunity, with Gabriel’s late header sealing a comeback that felt significant in the title race.
Arteta highlighted the need to maintain that rhythm. “It’s about generating momentum, and there are periods in the season that are crucial. Tomorrow’s game is a really important one for us,” he explained.
West Ham have been more effective on the road than at home this season, and with Jarrod Bowen always a danger, Arsenal will have to stay focused.
But with the strength of their bench, the variety of their attacking options, and the determination of their manager, they should feel confident of extending their run and keeping pressure on Liverpool.
