Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal players do not need to be told that the Premier League match at West Ham this weekend is a must win game, because every game from now on, and even before the recent international break, are must win games for the Gunners to have any chance of the EPL title this season.
But looking at the reasonably friendly fixture list Arsenal have when compared to our two main rivals, this away game at West Ham stands out and if we can take all three points then our challenge really would start to look realistic rather than a pipe dream.
The reason for that, however, is that our opponents are flying high and in good form and they have already beaten us once this season, in that shock opening day reverse. So this game tomorrow really is a big one and Wenger needs to get his team selection and tactics just right.
For me that could mean a return to the starting line-up of Per Mertesacker, for a few reasons. The first is that the vastly experienced World Cup winning defender has been there and done that and is a leader on the pitch. Tomorrow´s game will be played in a highly charged atmosphere and cool heads could be hard to come by and our vice-captain could be vital in that respect.
Then you have the possibility that West Ham could start with Andy Carroll up front and the England international can cause any team serious problems in the air. I know which of our defenders I would rather have up against him at corners and free kicks.
Then you have the Payet scenario, with free kicks around the box seeming to be almost as good as a penalty for the Frenchman at the minute. Mertesacker´s disciplinary record is pretty awesome and he very rarely commits fouls, while Gabriel has a tendency to rush in and that could prove highly costly with Payet on the pitch.
So is it time for the Arsenal boss to bring the BFG back?
Per has “zero” aerial ability. So, how is he going to help us?
This guy Bob,he knows what makes you all bight the dummy, BFG can’t jump can’t head a ball his post is to get you all going,and it works. If Wenger changed and we lost all hell would break loose.
He must leave it as is. CB
No need for reading the article, its Kos_Gab or nothing.
If we lose 1-0 to West Ham (via a stunning Payet free kick), would we still have a mathematical chance to win the league? ?
Leicester have 69 points in 32 matches, Arsenal have 58 points in 31. You go figure! ‘Only’ need 4 more wins than Leicester in the remaining 7 matches.
these players have been absolutely garbage this season
debuchy chambers mertesacker gibbs flamini arteta ramsey ox walcott and giroud .
Wouldnr want to see them play again
Tetra it’s taken EllernyAwobi, Welbeck and Sanches who is best on the right side, to show what a waist those players have been in helping the team. None of those have any back bone to make the difference. CB
Another 3 reasons why Per should play.
1. His mum thinks he should
2. Aunt Heidi does too
3. Lack of options
I would pick Per ahead of Gabriella for the same reason too. Gab offers very little to the team and his partnership with Kos looks misarable.
@sango……..in otherwords u would happily disrupt a supposely winning formula …….weldone sir!
There are over 100 reasons why per’s A** should be glued to a seat tomorrow!
sanchez and koss have also been mediocre this season though they are quality
guys have you seen how badly westham is talking about us.
They say we are getting nothing tommorow and that payet lanzini cresswelll and kouyate would walk into our team whilst also saying they have better players on their bench than we have in our first team.
Lets kill them tommorow
Bob, I believe you have a point. But would the Boss agree to make 2 starting changes to his new prolific starters who have won 2 difficult matches on the trot?
My starts:
Ospina.
BellerinDeAbreuKoscielnyMonreal.
ElnenyCoquelin.
SanchezOzilIwobi.
Walcott.
My bench:
CechChambersRhino’GibbsFlaminiCampbellGiroud.
Sanchez should start at mid-right wing while Iwobi should start at mid-left wing. Because of the skill of Campbell to scheme & wriggle past defenders, I am starting him on the bench to come on at a stage in the game and I’m giving Welbeck a complete rest from the match till the Palace game when he could be in my match day squad. But I am not the Boss. Therefore, my decision may not count.
no walcott.