Arsenal must beware of complacency at West Ham

CosminIftode / Shutterstock.com

On paper Arsenal’s trip to West Ham on Saturday in the Premier League’s late kick-off seems to be a comfortable one for the visitors.

Arsenal are fourth in the table and in decent form, while the Hammers are only clear of the drop zone by two places and a point. However, Arsenal’s 19-match unbeaten run came to an end in midweek, as Southampton came to the Emirates Stadium and won 2-0 in the EFL Cup quarter-final.

West Ham also exited the much-maligned competition in midweek suffering a 4-1 defeat at Manchester United. To be fair though the Hammers league displays have improved of late and they have not lost in their last three league games at the London Stadium.

However, despite a recent improvement Slaven Bilic’s side have won just two of their last 11 Premier League games. By contrast, the Gunners are still unbeaten in their last 12 games in the top-flight and unbeaten in their last 13 away games in the league.

To tip the odds even further in Arsenal balance, the Hammers have won just one of the last 17 meetings in all competitions between the two sides.

One positive for Slaven Bilic’s side is the fact they have suffered just three league defeats in their last 20 outings, but most of their best results were at the Boleyn Ground. Their recent home record in the top-flight is not great, as they have won just one of their last five league outings on home soil.

The Hammers have also suffered big injury blows with both Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell set to miss out through groin injuries. The Hammers certainly seem to be up against it in this clash.

Forebet predicts a goal-filled Arsenal victory. However, Arsenal cannot afford complacency or they could come unstuck at the London Stadium.