Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
2024/25 English Premier League
Matchday 26
Arsenal v West Ham United
Emirates Stadium
London, England
Saturday, 22 February 2025
Kick-off is at 17h00
Arsenal will be looking to keep their slim title hopes alive when they host West Ham in a London derby at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, February 22.
The Gunners remain the closest challengers to
Premier League leaders Liverpool with 13 matches left to play, although the gap still stands at seven points after the 2-0 win at Leicester on February 15.
Mikel Arteta's side are now unbeaten in their last 15 games and they've pulled six points clear of third-placed Nottingham Forest, who suffered a 2-1 defeat at Fulham later that same day.
Manchester City reclaimed fourth spot with a 4-0 hammering of Newcastle which saw them close within three points of the Tricky Trees.
The Hammers' struggles have continued since Graham Potter took over the reins from Julen Lopetegui in January, winning just one of his opening five games at the helm.
Potter will be experiencing his fifth inter-city derby, having already faced Fulham, Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Brentford in the space of a month.
A 1-0 loss to the Bees on February 15 extended their winless run to four outings and left Potter's side languishing down in 16th position, 10 points clear of the relegation zone.
Arteta was dealt a blow prior to the clash with the Foxes after Kai Havertz suffering a season-ending thigh injury. The German joins Gabriel Jesus, Takehiro Tomiyasu (both knee), Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli (both thigh) on the sidelines.
Potter has just three absentees to contend with, as Michail Antonio (broken leg), Crysencio Summerville and Niclas Fullkrug (both thigh) are unavailable for selection, while Vladimir Coufal (hamstring) is rated doubtful.
Arteta admitted it was crucial for his team to respond after seeing the Reds drop points in a 2-2 draw with Everton in midweek which left the door slightly ajar in the title race.
"Yes, and it was [important] for us as well. Everything that happened in the last few days, it was a lot of noise to show how much we want it," the Spaniard said.
"Because regardless of what happens, we're going to really go for it, that we believe for the resources that we have and the quality of our players and still adapt and be competitive and still win a lot of football matches."
Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
Potter saw some positives in their second-half display against the Bees, but acknowledged his players were nowhere near the standard required in the opening 45 minutes and insists it will be learning experience for them.
"I think the second-half response was really, really positive but I think we have to be honest and say the first half wasn't what we wanted at all," Potter conceded.
"Sometimes that happens, especially when you concede an early goal. We suffered a little bit. I think they (Brentford) played well. They did what they did well. We were too unstable for our liking, but I think we'll learn a lot from that.
"If we're going to lose a game, I'd rather lose it in the second half the way we played than the way we played in the first half, because it's nowhere near what we want to be. But, as I said, sometimes on the journey you have to have a little step back to go forward again."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Arsenal wins - 3
West Ham wins - 1
Draws - 1
Premier League Matchday 26 fixtures:
Friday, February 21
22h00: Leicester City v Brentford
Saturday, February 22
14h30: Everton v Manchester United
17h00: Bournemouth v Wolverhampton Wanderers
17h00: Arsenal v West Ham United
17h00: Fulham v Crystal Palace
17h00: Ipswich Town v Tottenham Hotspur
17h00: Southampton v Brighton & Hove Albion
19h30: Aston Villa v Chelsea
Sunday, February 23
16h00: Newcastle United v Nottingham Forest
18h30: Manchester City v Liverpool
Bet on the English Premier League with Betway
Sign up at Betway and enjoy solid action and heart-racing thrills when you bet on soccer leagues such as the English Premier League, the Italian Serie A, the Spanish La Liga and many more.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions, follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and YouTube. Download the Betway App.