RUMOURS: Arsenal will bid for Payet in January

“Not only did he convince everybody in England a year ago that he’s a top-class player, but through those performances he also won his place in his national team’s European Championship squad”.

Manager Slaven Bilic is under massive pressure to perform, with an axe over his head due to recent results. This team struggles against opponents that are lower than them in the table.

For Arsenal, the defeat in midweek was nothing but a timely wake up call after a string of poor displays in November starting against Tottenham at home in the North London Derby, Man United away and Paris Saint Germain at home.

Adrian’s look pretty much sums it up.

But if West Ham do what is expected and close down passing lines and offer no space behind their defence, having a presence like Giroud will be essential.

One such instance of this was against Manchester United at Old Trafford, where the Gunners tried repeatedly to counter-attack on the deck with Alexis.

Those who were involved will need to pick themselves up quickly, lest the blow to their morale threaten to derail their Premier League campaign.

They are now fourth in the table, three points behind leaders Chelsea and two behind Liverpool and Manchester City. with a busy schedule coming up this month.

Zaza rues another miss. Considering the number of senior squad players making an appearance last night, it was surprising to see the lack of effort that the Gunners put into the performance.

The January transfer window is coming up and players will have to fight to keep their spots on the team.

Olivier Giroud has been involved in more Premier League goals from the bench than any other player this season (three goals, one assist).

“He wants to play every game, he’s that kind of person”. Although Ashley Fletcher pounded on a mistake from David de Gea to equalise in the 35th minute, United returned after the break to dominate. Add to that a lack of scoring from strikers and you have a club in turmoil.

The 27-year-old terrorised Arsene Wenger’s back four that day as West Ham battled back from two goals down to earn a thrilling 3-3 draw at Upton Park.

“I think Andy will be back on Saturday so it will be fierce competition for places in the striking role”.

Slaven Bilic’s side have won five of their first 10 games at the venue, although two of those victories came against Slovenian minnows Domzale in a Europa League qualifier and an EFL Cup win over League Two Accrington. You can feel when they are on your back and when they are against you.