Well what can I say? Even though the Gunners had played a tough match on Wednesday, I really didn't forsee the continuation of the mini-slump of recent games.
What Arsenal Need: Arsenal need a victory. Full stop. I wouldn't say no to a one nil win from a goal deflected of Toure's buttock, but Arsenal need to start making these dominant and aesthetically pleasing matches turn into the romps they deserve to be. An impressive win would vindicate Wenger's passionate belief in playing beautiful football.
They needed a victory and they didn't get one, but in this case it was due to poor performance and not simply dominating games without securing the three points. Wenger was visibly shaken by the late goal and the sideline bust-up with Pardew and I feel for him. But I'm desperate for him to start taking responsibility for dropped points and actually admit fault where fault actually lies.
Things To Watch Out For: I'm so pleased Clichy is on his way back to full match fitness, as Arsenal need a true left-footed full back on the field. I hope to see him continue to get forward and look to develop a relationship with Rosicky on the left flank. But it is with some regret that I see Gallas move back to centre-half, as I'm such a fan of the young Djourou. Obviously Gallas is first choice in that position but I hope the spell on the sidelines won't inhibit Djourou's development. I personally feel he has put himself ahead of Senderos in the centre-back pecking order.
Clichy is looking good game by game but it'll take him time to develop that relationship with Rosicky and van Persie on the left.
Hopes For The Match: Arsenal need to carry on playing their style of football. They just need to convert more of the chances they create. I hope Arsenal get the result they deserve and if form was anything to go by... that should be a comfortable victory.
Arsenal didn't play their usual style of football and were out-worked by the battling West Ham team.
My team selection for this game:
Henry
van Persie, Rosicky, Gilberto, Fabregas, Hleb
Clichy, Gallas, Toure, Hoyte
Lehmann
Subs: Almunia, Walcott, Djourou, Flamini, Adebayor
It's good to see Adebayor return to the first team squad.
Long-term issues: I wonder what Senderos must be thinking? Does he believe he deserves a place in the first 11, as he rightly did last season? But things have changed for him this year. Gallas has automatically assumed his position and Djourou has jumped ahead of him in he pecking order. The Gunners are spoilt for choice, which is nice, but I hope they can keep everyone happy, as I'd hate to lose either of the youngsters.
Eboue is looking to play in the Carling Cup game against Everton and although Hoyte has filled in well, Eboue has been missed... particularly by Hleb.
I was pleased to see Eboue on the bench and was impressed with him when he came on. He will make a difference when he returns to the starting line-up.
Prediction: West Ham 1 Arsenal 3
Score: West Ham 1 Arsenal 0
