Goals there for both at the Emirates
Two games into the season, two point-less sides meet looking to break their losing streaks, and, with it, kickstart their respective campaigns.
Arsenal
The Gunners followed up their opening day defeat to Man. City with an improved performance but, again, nothing to show for their efforts come the end. Once more the same defensive frailties to have blighted Arsenal for years on end came to the fore, to leave Unai Emery pulling his hair out on the sidelines. The current central pairing of Mustafi and Sokratis leaves a lot to be desired and without Laurent Koscielny, who is probably their best defender, the defensive issues look set to remain for a while yet.
Aubameyang and Iwobi in particular appear sharp
However, in one ray of light, Emery would at least have been pleased with the attacking threat of his forward players, who managed to pull Arsenal level having been two down inside 20 minutes. This said, a bit more composure in certain situations and the result could’ve been a different story altogether. But I’m tipping Arsenal’s forward line to come good this week; Aubameyang and Iwobi in particular appear sharp and, in tandem with, Lacazette, the trio could blow West Ham away.
West Ham
I tipped West Ham to feature in a game of goals last weekend against Bournemouth and though I was right, I didn’t expect them to go and collapse to a defeat in the manner they did. I also said prior to the season kicked off though that West Ham are very much a ‘work in progress’ under Pellergrini, and he will need time to shape the Hammers into a defensively sound team. Six goals shipped in two games doesn’t bode well for the season ahead however.
Attack will be the best form of defence for West Ham
I’m thinking that perhaps attack will be the best form of defence for West Ham then against an Arsenal side with defensive deficiencies of their own. They certainly have the players to cause the hosts problems – at least they do on paper – and with Marco Arnautovic already off the mark and set to lead the line, The Hammers will certainly carry a threat up top.
Match Tip
Two teams with a new coach desperate to avoid a third game without a win and yet more criticism from their respective set of fans.
Both will look to sharpen up defensively in light of their start but I can’t see it myself and so I’m tipping both to score and the match to feature over 2.5 goals at odds of 10/11 (1.90) with bet365.
