Nuno Espirito Santo accepts that preparing his West Ham United charges to face an Arsenal side who ‘don’t have many weaknesses’ is no easy task.
Mikel Arteta brings his Champions League finalists to the London Stadium on Sunday knowing that three points would put a first domestic title in over 20 years within the Gunners’ grasp.
West Ham United are not merely facing a side boasting arguably the best backline in Europe, former Hammers skipper Declan Rice and a striker finally silencing his critics in Viktor Gyokeres.
To boo or not to boo, that is the question… 😂
They are facing an Arsenal side for whom matchday 36 is just as crucial to their ambitions as it is to West Ham’s survival prospects.
Nuno Espirito Santo says set-pieces crucial in West Ham United v Arsenal
“They don’t have many weaknesses,” Nuno said during his press conference on Friday lunchtime. “On the ball, off the ball, they are disciplined, organised, talented.
“It’s difficult because they are very good. They are a very talented team fighting for huge things, achieving huge moments in the Champions League and fighting for the league title. They are tough opponents, but we are at the London Stadium.
“It’s a plus [to be at home]. It’s special for us, and we have to give it all. No hiding. We have to be there.”
“I see [Arsenal] very well. Talented, good, tough players that have been together for a while. A very tough opponent.”
Sunday’s encounter sees the team with the most set-piece goals scored [21] travel to the team with the joint-worst record when it comes to conceding from set-piece situations. West Ham have shipped no fewer than 17.
Nuno feels that the Hammers have made real progress regarding their ability to cope with corners and free-kicks during his tenure. Yet, Arsenal are bound to provide by far the tougher test of those apparent improvements.
“Arsenal are one of the teams that takes the most advantage of set-pieces,” adds Nuno, offering a peak behind the Rush Green curtain. “We’ve been working [on defending those] today.
“What we ask of our players is; do your tasks, focus, realise the importance of those moments, and help each other.”
Taty Castellanos needs confidence after Brentford nightmare
Chances are likely to be at a premium versus an Arsenal team who have let in only 26 goals in 35 matches. Taty Castellanos struck the woodwork twice against Brentford last weekend. Pablo Felipe is 14 games without a goal, while Crysencio Summerville hasn’t scored since returning from injury.
How would a draw with Arsenal make you feel about our survival chances? 🤔
West Ham would still be below Spurs on goal difference… 😬
“I think they need confidence, especially the players in our frontline,” says Nuno. “Taty hit the post two times; he needs confidence.
“Things will change. Sunday is the day. We’ve been working well; committed and focused. We realise the importance [of the game]. We are getting ready. We are going to be ready.
“Being at home is good for us, especially recently. Our fans are being really, really helpful. It’s always nervy; especially in the final games of the season, there is always anxiety. It’s up to us to try and control our nerves and deliver what we want.”
“Think about Everton [a last-gasp 2-1 win], about Wolves [a 4-0 thrashing], about the first half against Brentford; the positive things we are showing we can do. That has to be our mindset. Anything that happened before, we cannot change it.
“We can impact what is ahead of us. It’s a big game. Our fans know that and they have been fantastic to us at the London Stadium. We can count on them. It’s up to us to deliver.”
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