A relaxed Nuno Espirito Santo admits that the inclusion of Jean-Clair Todibo for West Ham United’s home clash with Arsenal was made with the intention of ‘dominating’ Arsenal in set-piece situations.
During his pre-match press conference on Friday, Nuno acknowledged that set-pieces would be key at the London Stadium.
Arsenal have scored the most goals from dead-ball situations this season, with 21. West Ham United, meanwhile, have conceded the joint-most [17].
What do you make of Nuno’s two BIG calls?
Wan-Bissaka and Todibo return…
This, Nuno Espirito Santo told Sky Sports just before Sunday’s 4.30pm kick-off, is a big part of the reason why Jean-Clair Todibo returns alongside Aaron Wan-Bissaka as the Hammers switch to a back-five.
Nuno Espirito Santo previews West Ham United v Arsenal
“Arsenal pose a lot of threats, especially in wide areas, so we have to be focused,” said the former Wolves, Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest coach. “Also, the players on the bench are going to be very important for us.
“It makes sense [to bring in Todibo and Wan-Bissaka]! [Arsenal] are very good in that [set-piece] area, and we have to try and dominate that part of the pitch.”
“All teams these days have threats and Arsenal are doing well; running the same plays with the same players, showing consistent delivery. But we have a threat in attack as well. ‘JC’ gives us some height, and Dinos as well.”
Mavropanos was outstanding as West Ham held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw in March. Axel Disasi and Todibo were in superb form that day too, and they will need a repeat of that performance if the Hammers are to dent the ambitions of another title challenger.
Are there any areas of WEAKNESS you have spotted in Arsenal? 🧐
Mavro has already gotten the better of Gyokeres once…
“Definitely, it’s a huge, important game for us,” Nuno explains. “We are competing against a tough opponent.
“We are at home, and the London Stadium has been good for us; our home form has been improving, so we hope today we can achieve what we are chasing.”
“Here at the London Stadium, we’ve been doing well. The fans are huge for us, giving us extra energy. They understand the need we have from them. They are going to play a different game from ours, but we need their energy and their noise.
“We are OK, and we are ready to compete. Let’s go!”
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