1
Games Played
1
0
0.00
0%
0%
Goals Scored
Goals Scored/game
Shooting Accuracy %
Goals/Shots %
2
2.00
60%
10%
355
73%
Passes
Pass Completion %
577
88%
63%
4
4.00
Tackles Won %
Goals Conceded
Goals Conceded/game
69%
0
0.00
11
2
0
Fouls
Yellow Cards
Red Cards
12
0
0
In recent seasons, this game has been fiercely contested, with 33 yellow cards and three reds coming in the last six Premiership clashes between West Ham and Arsenal. And the fact that it's a London derby suggests it could be more than just points to play for.
After the disappointing showing up at St James' Park, West Ham will be wanting to tighten up their defence, especially as Arsenal hit the target with 12 shots in their opening game against Birmingham - more than any other team in the opening weekend. Conversely, Glenn Roeder's team attempted just four shots during the whole of their first game and failed to hit the target once - making them the only team not to trouble the opposing keeper in the opening round of the 2002-03 Premiership.
Winterburn Cole 90 Minutes on pitch 90 0 Goals 0 84 Pass completion % 85 100 Cross completion % 0 5 Tackles made 2 40 Tackle success % 50 1 Fouls 1 1 Yellow Cards 0 0 Red Cards 0
Arsenal's passing accuracy of 88% was also the best of last weekend and one of the more accurate passing performances ever recorded by Opta - certainly better than by any team in a single top-flight match over the last two seasons. Given that, possession - or lack of it to be more precise - could well be a problem for the home side as it was against Newcastle.
No team got stuck in more than West Ham on the opening weekend, with the Hammers going in for 35 tackles against the Magpies. Such a willingness to fight for the ball is admirable but they are going to have to use it more wisely once they have it, especially against a side as dangerous as Arsenal.
The Gunners were undefeated on their Premiership travels last season and you'd be hard pushed to find many neutrals who fancy West Ham in this game. However, the East Londoners were a solid proposition at home last season and conceded just 14 goals at Upton Park - no team could better that defensive record, so the opening match in front of their own fans may not be the portent of doom that some might think.
If West Ham can get an early goal then there is no reason why they can't stop Arsenal getting back into the game, but when you are chasing the game against the Gunners there are few sides better at breaking away and killing off matches - something Roeder's side will be keen to guard against.
Match Betting: 10/3 West Ham 9/4 Draw 8/11
Arsenal -
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