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Marquee Matchup for West Ham’s Clash With Arsenal

By Adam Smith

Arsenal's Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (R) takes on West Ham United's French defender Arthur Masuaku (L) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 25, 2018. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (R) takes on West Ham United's French defender Arthur Masuaku (L) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 25, 2018. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Three points should be the target for West Ham in every match, and if they are going to grab them at the Emirates it should come down to THIS player matchup!

This London Derby has the importance, for West Ham, of an end of season clash from their last campaign, as tension mounts amidst a deadly run of fixtures. With a disappointing season-opening match behind them, the Hammers need to show up and excel against Arsenal, together and individually.

When the team sheets get released on Saturday all eyes will fall on the Hammers’ left-back position to see who David Moyes has selected. A poor run of form for Aaron Cresswell has supporters understanding his extremely low ceiling but fearful of his apparent bottomless basement. All signs point to a rare Arthur Masuaku start.

If this is the case, the marquee matchup will be Arsenal newcomer Willian against the Hammers’ own King Arthur – a faceoff of skill and ability. On his debut, Willian created all three goals and registered two assists in an electric showing, so Masuaku will have his hands full.

In order to hang with Willian, there are two areas defensively that Masuaku will have to focus on. With someone as great at passing and crossing opposite, Masuaku needs to stick close and close down the winger, making his distribution difficult.

The second area is his speed in tracking back. The biggest defensive upgrade on Cresswell is Masuaku’s ability to track back and actually make an impact with his speed, whereas Cresswell simply cannot. Sticking with Willian will be a massive part of denying Arsenal offensive freedom.

Aside from defensive coverage, Masuaku’s dribbling and creative skills will be crucial in mitigating Willian and Arsenal’s attack by hopefully denying them possession. Should Felipe Anderson or Michail Antonio start ahead of Masuaku, his job will be springing either attacker and supporting them in possession.

Based on his strong play against Charlton, both of their strong play, Sebastien Haller should also be starting along with Masuaku. The looping crosses and low, hard crosses that Haller needs will also be vital in the Hammers getting any offence going, so Masuaku cannot abandon his natural creative skills in this match.

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If we see Masuaku’s name on the team sheet all will be well, however, if Aaron Cresswell gets another unearned chance at starting minutes, enough should be enough. Masuaku should be used as a wingback at a minimum but circumstances dictate a different reality. It’s time for King Arthur’s ascension!