NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 30: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal FC at City Ground on January 30, 2024 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
West Ham has given Arsenal a triple boost that might change the game, and David Moyes might have to bench a favorite.
Earlier this week, it appeared that West Ham’s task of taking on an Arsenal team that is on the rise had been slightly eased.
In Arsenal’s victory over Liverpool, Oleksandr Zinchenko was also replaced at halftime due to injury, while Bukayo Saka staggered off.
In addition, striker Gabriel Jesus was injured during practice and was unable to play. Prior to the match against West Ham, Saka suffered a knock, which Arteta confirmed in a statement earlier this week.
Before Sunday’s trip to play the Irons, the Gunners manager expressed his optimism that Saka wouldn’t be out for a lengthy time. However, he made no assurances.
He acknowledged that it appeared doubtful that his starting left-back and striker would be available for West Ham.
Still, it’s amazing what a difference a few days can make. It might also be detrimental to the Hammers.
Because David Moyes might have to bench a favorite if Arsenal’s game-changing triple boost for West Ham continues.
Takehiro Tomiyasu, a crucial defender, will also be returning from the Asia Cup.
West Ham would have been extremely secure in their outcome had it not been for Jesus and Saka.
However, their return could mean that Moyes is compelled to make changes to his own team composition.
After quickly adding center defender Nayef Aguerd to his squad for the 3-0 loss against Manchester United, the Scot may now have to bench the player.
In the 2-0 victory at Arsenal back in December, Konstantinos Mavropanos not only performed admirably against his former team but also scored an incredible header.
He performed admirably in the league cup victory over the Gunners, winning 3-1.
Mavropanos did not bring Jesus and his friends a boot. Furthermore, they seemed to be truly terrified by the man mountain.
Aguerd has a skillful left foot, but in his Hammers career, he has proven to be a terribly inconsistent, weak, and mistake-prone player.
Mavropanos, who was among West Ham’s finest performers in the draw with Bournemouth before to the Old Trafford loss, was ruthlessly dropped by Moyes, who gave him some of the blame for two goals when he returned to the team the previous game.
Saka and Jesus, a cunning duo, would wish to challenge Aguerd. With the news coming out of North London indicating that both will be fit, Moyes will have to make a vital decision over his starting lineup for the center of defense.
