Massive boost for West Ham as Michail Antonio declares himself fit for Arsenal clash

Arsenal are on their worst run for more than 40 years and were beaten 2-1 at home by Brighton last time out.

West Ham beat Chelsea away last weekend, their first win in nine.

Key to that victory was Michail Antonio, who returned to the starting line-up for the first time in three months after injury.

His workrate, determination, movement, pace and power tormented Chelsea.

Haller woes made for tense wait over Antonio

But struggling £45million record signing Sebastien Haller was back in the side for the Wolves game in midweek as Antonio suffered a niggle in the victory at Stamford Bridge.

Haller was poor again as the Hammers were comfortably beaten 2-0.

“I played 75 minutes last Saturday, which was the most I played all season, including pre-season, so coming back from three months out injured it was just a bit too much for my body (to play again at Wolves),” he explained to whufc.com.

“I felt a little tweak in my groin, but it’s feeling good now and hopefully I’ll be ready for Monday. Injuries are part and parcel of the game, but I’ve always played a good chunk of the games every year.

“I’ve always been good with dealing with it, so I take it and make sure I come back fitter and stronger.”

Pellegrini must play Antonio AND Haller

What West Ham fans really want to see is Antonio play up front WITH Haller.

The Hammers faithful feel Pellegrini is not getting the best out of the Frenchman playing him as a lone striker.

And statistics back up that argument with Haller netting 33 goals and 14 assists in the last two seasons playing up top with Luka Jovic at Frankfurt.

West Ham fans will just have to hope Antonio gets the all clear to start, or at least be available to come on from the bench.