Trips to St James’ Park are rarely a pleasant experience for Arsenal these days, and last Sunday looked like another nightmare in the making. After Viktor Gyokeres saw a penalty overturned and Nick Woltemade struck to give Newcastle the lead, the Gunners seemed destined for another frustrating afternoon in the North East.
But Arsenal found a way. With Newcastle closing in on a fourth straight home win against them, Mikel Arteta’s men turned to their trusted set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, and it paid off once again. Gabriel Magalhaes rose highest in the 96th minute to seal a dramatic 2-1 comeback, sparking wild celebrations among the visiting fans.
That victory was important on several fronts. It ended their poor run at St James’ Park, allowed them to take advantage of Liverpool’s slip-up against Crystal Palace, and put them in a position to climb to the top of the Premier League with another win on Saturday—before champions Manchester City face Chelsea later in the day.
Arsenal have rediscovered their rhythm at the right time. Their midweek 2-0 win over Olympiacos in the Champions League wasn’t the most glamorous performance, but it marked their third successive victory and their fifth in six matches across all competitions. At home, they’ve been formidable too, losing just four of their last 42 Premier League fixtures. The catch? Half of those defeats came at the hands of West Ham United.
West Ham, now under the leadership of Nuno Espirito Santo, will arrive with confidence from history. They’ve won on their last two visits to the Emirates without conceding, a feat matched only by Manchester City’s six-game streak of dominance away to Arsenal between 2018 and 2023.
Nuno’s side started his reign with a gritty 1-1 draw at Everton, Jarrod Bowen equalizing after Michael Keane’s opener. That point wasn’t enough to lift them out of the relegation zone, but it continued a trend every point they’ve earned this season has come away from home.
Even so, history looms large. West Ham hold the unenviable record for most defeats in Premier League London derbies, 134 in total and they’ve lost eight of their last 11 against fellow capital clubs. It’s a statistic Arsenal will be eager to extend as they chase momentum in the title race.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Arsenal’s midweek win over Olympiacos came with a minor scare, as Gabriel, the hero against Newcastle was forced off late with a knock. Fortunately for Mikel Arteta, the Brazilian defender is expected to be fit in time for Saturday’s clash.
That news is especially important with Piero Hincapié still sidelined until after the international break, and long-term absentees Noni Madueke (knee), Kai Havertz (knee), and Gabriel Jesus (ACL) not due back until later in the year.
There will, however, be cause for celebration in North London regardless. Bukayo Saka, who scored Arsenal’s second goal off the bench in midweek, is set to make his 200th Premier League appearance. Only one Gunner before him — the legendary Thierry Henry — has managed to score on his 200th league outing, back in 2005.
West Ham arrive with problems of their own. Midfielder Tomas Soucek remains suspended, serving the final match of his three-game ban after being sent off against Tottenham. George Earthy is also unavailable, facing up to six weeks out with a hamstring injury.
On the positive side for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is edging closer to a return after overcoming a stomach issue and has rejoined full training. That gives the Hammers boss near continuity, with most of the same squad that earned a draw at Everton likely to be involved again.
All eyes will also be on Jarrod Bowen, who has made a habit of tormenting Arsenal. The West Ham captain scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 win at the Emirates last season, his fifth strike against the Gunners in all competitions.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
West Ham United possible starting lineup:
Areola; Walker-Peters, Mavropanos, Kilman, Diouf; Magassa; Bowen, Fernandes, Paqueta, Summerville; Fullkrug
EXPERT PREDICTION
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham
