West Ham face Community Shield champions Arsenal in their Premier League opener on the back foot after failing to overcome Germany’s Werder Bremen in their final friendly. Can the Hammers challenge the fine-tuned squad of Arsenal?
The departure of Sam Allardyce and the arrival of Slaven Bilic signals a new era for West Ham United. But with the club playing without striker Enner Valencia, who reportedly will be out until New Year after suffering a terrible knee injury in their Europa League third qualifying round first leg match against FC Astra, will on-loan player Raul Jimenez be a good replacement? He is an option, but only if he receives a work permit in time for the Arsenal clash.
Meanwhile at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal recently completed a treble. Have they learned how to play against big teams now? Aaron Ramsey believes the Gunners continue to progress, but Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho thinks otherwise:
“The best team lost and the defensive team won. In my opinion, (Arsenal were) the team that defends well and the team that leaves their philosophy in the dressing room and change that attitude and philosophy. And accumulate 10 players behind the ball all the time.
“This is very good tactical organisation and in the perspective they scored one goal and deserved to win. Congratulations to them,” Mourinho said in an interview.
Jack Wilshere will miss the start of the season with an ankle injury, while Danny Welbeck remains a doubt due to a knee injury, now drifting into a fourth month.
West Ham United have not beaten Arsenal since their Premier League victory back in April 2007. After 15 games will they be able to end the Gunners’ dominance on August 9 (kick off 20:30 GMT+8) away at the Emirates Stadium?
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