Key Matchup Wide for West Ham at Arsenal Winless Derby

Anytime a London Derby comes around tensions are high. For both West Ham and Arsenal the stakes are raised even more as both teams are searching for their first win of the season after some underwhelming performances.

Forget a traditional midfield matchup or striker matchup, for Arsenal and West Ham the most important matchup will be between Felipe Anderson and Hector Bellerin. Both players have the ability to create offense through wide play, both have terrific speed, and both need to step up and help their teams get in the win column for this season after lackluster starts.

The early season criticism for Anderson is likely connected to him having a few uninspiring efforts for his new team after garnering a £40 million fee. It was always understood that the former Calcio A player would need time to adjust to Premier League football, but the team’s struggles have pushed to spotlight onto the marquee signing to start performing.

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Where Anderson can make the most of his opportunities is by dragging Bellerin to the inside of the pitch. Assuming Pellegrini uses a 4-2-3-1 formation Anderson will have a central option to pass the ball off to, creating space for him to expose Bellerin on give and go plays. Mix in some of his tricky dribbling and wicked crossing and Anderson could get the best of the Spaniard full back.

As for Arsenal’s speedy right-back, the question isn’t if he can play in the Premier League but rather where did his old Premier League form go? Paininthearsenal.com outline the drop in his form, referencing a metaphorical “wall” youth players would hit under Arsene Wanger. Can Emery push Bellerin on to the next level? Will it happen this season?

If Bellerin wants to take a step in the right direction shutting down Felipe Anderson would be a good start. While he hasn’t struck his form in the Prem just yet and avoiding the offensive production Anderson promises could help Bellerin get more comfortable in his position and shut down his critics for a while.

It’s a battle of the underperforming stars for West Ham and Arsenal. Anderson has yet to prove anything in the Premier League, but the opportunity to strike down Arsenal could slingshot the Brazilian forward into the good books of West Ham supporters.

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Bellerin is looking for stability and consistent success, Anderson’s shaky form offers a chance to contribute to a cross-town rivals’ downfall and boost his own status simultaneously. Shutting down Anderson and building on the success Liverpool and Bournemouth had down West Ham’s right wing should propel public opinion of the Arsenal fullback