Clubs in crisis set for tough clash
West Ham host Arsenal in a London derby with a difference. The Gunners are in crisis and the Hammers are not far behind. Who will come out unscathed? Have a read of our preview here:
There are no quick fixes
If Arsenal fans thought Freddie Ljungberg was going to be able to turnaround the awful form quickly then they have another thing coming.
This is a team in crisis and there are no quick fixes even if a former star is now in the dugout.
The loss to Brighton just highlighted how much work needs to be done at the Emirates. An embarrassing first half left them with too much to do and means they have conceded at least two goals in each of the last four games.
Following Thursday’s defeat, the Swede was honest about what he’d seen from his side.
"We didn't show up in the first half, didn't work hard and want to play.
"Second half we had a word and were better but we are suspect on the counter and we have no confidence. I need to work on that and get confidence back into the boys.”
They will target out-of-form West Ham as a prime opportunity to turn things around but fans were probably saying the same thing about the Brighton fixture. It is shocking that Arsenal have fallen so far and no one man will be able to make things better in the short-term.
A brief reprieve
The win against Chelsea appears to have only been a brief respite for beleaguered manager Manuel Pellegrini. A 2-0 defeat at Molineux didn’t come as much of a surprise but means West Ham have now won just once in the last nine games.
This form is likely to suck them into a relegation fight which is not something the owners imagined would be the case when they backed the Chilean coach over the summer.
The Hammers appear shaky at the back which has seen them concede at least two goals in seven of the last nine Premier League outings.
The only positive heading into Monday night’s fixture is that they are playing Arsenal, maybe the only team doing as badly over the last couple of months as the Hammers – small mercies ay!
West Ham v Arsenal betting tip
Neither of these teams are in any kind of form but you can see the Arsenal confidence ebb away with every game. The Hammers are not much better but it would not be surprising to see them nick a victory and with odds of 13/8 there is definitely value to be had in backing West Ham with a draw no bet with bet365 in this one.
Post bet chat James's Tips:
Arsenal bagged their first win in over a century thanks another poor West Ham performance and three goals in nine second-half minutes