Chris Sutton claims Arsenal have something money can’t buy to beat West Ham in the big clash at the London Stadium on Sunday.
It is part three of the Declan Rice derby as West Ham welcome Arsenal to east London this weekend.
But David Moyes and Mikel Arteta will be more concerned about what the game means for West Ham’s top six hopes and Arsenal’s title chances.
The Hammers have the edge over the Gunners this season.
Moyes’ side beat Arsenal 3-1 in the league cup back in November and a month later won 2-0 in the at the Emirates in the Premier League.
The London rivals go into the game in contrasting form, though.
Sutton: Arsenal have something money can’t buy to beat West Ham
Arsenal spent £105m to sign Rice from the Hammers to make their team stronger in their quest for a title.
But Chris Sutton claims Arsenal have something money can’t buy to beat West Ham.
Predicting a 2-0 win for the Gunners on BBC Sport, Sutton believes they have the priceless commodity of motivation for the Hammers clash.
And he says it is being driven by two intangibles – fear and revenge.
Fear of slipping out of the title race after working their way back in. And revenge for the two defeats this season.
“West Ham beat Arsenal at the Emirates at the end of December, when the Gunners huffed and puffed but just could not score,” Sutton said.
Gunners motivated – by fear and revenge
“The Hammers will have exactly the same approach at home, looking to sit in and counter, and using their threat at set-pieces too.
“This time, though, I think Arsenal will find a way through – and carry on their celebrations. Mikel Arteta’s side will have a point to prove after what happened last time against West Ham, but their motivation here is more about the fact they have just put themselves in the thick of the title race, and they cannot afford to slip up.”
If West Ham prove Sutton wrong and beat Arsenal, it will be their first league double over them since the 2006/7 season.
Ahead of the game Moyes has demanded West Ham fans give Rice a good reception but admits he can’t guarantee it.
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