EPL: Arsenal Eye Second Place in Premier League with Win Over West Ham

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is calling for consistency from his team after recent wins over Nottingham Forest and Sporting.

A pair of convincing victories over Nottingham Forest and Sporting has significantly boosted morale at Arsenal, following a dismal four-match winless streak in the league. However, manager Mikel Arteta emphasized on Friday that his team still needs to demonstrate greater consistency in their performances.

Arsenal, who are set to face West Ham United in a London derby on Saturday, recently secured a 3-0 triumph over Forest, followed by an impressive 5-1 away win over Sporting in the Champions League on Tuesday.

“Really good, winning lifts the energy and the confidence up. They were two big wins for us, now it's about consistency, taking it further against a good opponent tomorrow,” Arteta told reporters ahead of the match at London Stadium.

“We need to replicate the performance to win the game. It's every three days now, it's not what you did yesterday, it's about the next performance.”

The resurgence of Arsenal's form has conveniently aligned with the return of captain Martin Odegaard, who had been sidelined for an extended period due to an ankle injury. Manager Mikel Arteta has praised the significant influence the Norwegian midfielder has had on the team since his comeback.

“The way he prepares himself, the work he put in with the physios and medical department with the importance of the season as well,” the Spaniard said.

“He's been exceptional since the Chelsea game and been very consistent. He's so reliable to take the game to the next level. It's a huge calibre of player.”

Arsenal currently occupy fourth place in the league, having accumulated 22 points from 12 matches. They are level on points with third-placed Chelsea and trail second-placed Manchester City by just a single point. With Manchester City facing a daunting trip to league leaders Liverpool and Chelsea hosting a resurgent Aston Villa, Arsenal have a prime opportunity to leapfrog into second place if they can secure a victory over 14th-placed West Ham.

Despite West Ham's relatively lowly position in the table, manager Mikel Arteta is adamant that they cannot be underestimated. He pointed to their impressive 2-0 win at Newcastle United on Monday as evidence of their capabilities. Arteta also expressed his admiration for West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui, saying: “(West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui) and I are friends. I have huge admiration for what he's done in the game.”

“He's from the same area as me in the north of Spain. They're a team on a high after the good result at Newcastle away, and they're always a tough opponent.”

Manager Mikel Arteta will make a last-minute decision on the availability of defender Gabriel for the upcoming match. The Brazil international was forced to leave the pitch in the 84th minute of Arsenal's win over Sporting, visibly uncomfortable, casting doubt on his participation.