Just 48 hours after scraping past a resilient QPR team Arsenal must make their second short trip across London to face West Ham with a victory overtaking them in the league.
Their loss (and team performance) against the league leaders on Boxing day was perceived by many as a whisper of their true capabilities, and it seemed even before the Chelsea game Big Sam had at least one eye on Sundays game against the Gunners by dropping key players Song and Sakho from the starting eleven.
These two players, in their own differing ways, have impacted heavily on West Hams performances this season. With Sakho they have a goal scorer who has filled Carroll’s boots admirably, scoring 6 and assisting 3 whilst missing a fair number of games through injury himself.
If Alex is on Song then Arsenal may struggle
But without much doubt it is in Alex Song that they have really found a player that makes a vast difference to their team. He gives the Hammers much needed strength in midfield, excellent ball retention and his ability to break up play and read the game is invaluable.
It is wrong to suggest though that his qualities are purely defensive, he is more than capable of floating in a perfect pass for a striker to finish off. It is Song that Arsenal will have to deal with in order to get a result at the Boylean Ground.
The Hammers are unbeaten in their last 7 home games, winning 6 and conceding just 3 goals.
Wenger has already applauded Song for how he has developed into the player he is – “You don’t need to convince me he is a good player”.
Whilst Song himself has mentioned how he still holds Arsenal close to his heart – “Always, this big family will be in my heart. I'll never forget because what I am now is because of Arsenal, but now it’s important to play against them.” He will, no doubt, be determined to show what he can do.
Wenger has faced many questions this season regarding his transfer dealings and the decision not to bring back Song after leaving Barcelona was one of them. It is potentially one that he regrets with hindsight when now looking at his own defensive options or lack thereof. But in my opinion he does not regret it or if he does, he shouldn’t.
Song is a talent, no question, but it is his mentality that lets him down heavily.
In his last season with us, he was punished several times for turning up late to training, disrupting other players, not putting in enough effort and reportedly came very close to a physical beating by Steve Bould whilst training in Cologne!
Wenger finally had enough when hearing news in the summer that Song had told his agent to listen to an approach from Barcelona, with the Arsenal chief quickly agreeing a fee and shipping him out. Above all, Arsenal have a great team spirit and togetherness about them and that should not be sacrificed for one player.
Arsenal have only won 3 out of their last 9 away games and face a tough test tomorrow but if they can nullify Songs’ presence by spreading their passing around the pitch sharply, as well as having some of the forward line creating space by dropping into the gaps between their midfield and defence, their attacking prowess and quality should shine through and be enough to get the 3 points required.
Latest team news
On the injury front centre-back Koscielny has “a little chance” of playing and will have a test, while Chamberlain has “an even smaller chance”.
Walcott is likely to be included in the squad but will not start.
Ramsey is still out as is Ozil.
With Giroud suspended we will most likely see Welbeck back up front with Sanchez starting on the right and Cazorla on the left, meaning a midfield trio of Flamini, Rosicky and Coquelin.
However, if Wenger is a bit more confident he may well start Podolski on the left and have Cazorla join Flamini and Rosicky in the middle.
Back four is unlikely to be changed except for, perhaps, chambers replacing Monreal at CB.
Expected line-up
Szczesny, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Koscielny,Monreal, Flamini,Coquelin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Alexis,Welbeck
