West Ham–Arsenal

A match towards the end of the season that could potentially seal two very different fates. The Hammers are fighting with their backs against the wall, and must find a way to score points if they are to save their place on the top shelf at the expense of Tottenham. Arsenal, on the other hand, are smiling like the sun. Final against PSG in the Champions League, and as of now a solid grip on the Premier League bucket. The season can be written into the books as the greatest of all time for the big club from London. However, Manchester City is sneaking up close behind. Just one miscue could be enough to overturn the whole party. Away against West Ham you have to win, it's that simple, and then we're talking about a final for Arteta and Ødegaard again. Only finals until the summer, and with some mirror-like trophies on the horizon.

West Ham – A very disappointing season will soon be history

But how will the story end? With relegation? Either West Ham will be relegated, or Tottenham will be. Either way, a giant will disappear from the Premier League when the season ends for the last time. Until then, they will have to take more points than Spurs. With Tottenham getting back on track, it could be very difficult for West Ham to save their place.

Because about half of the matches have been lost. A total of 61 balls have ended up in their own net, and there is little indication that they have what it takes to be competitive at the highest level. Jarrod Bowen could with a relatively good probability be available on the market in a month's time. That very man could probably continue his career on the top shelf in England if desired.

Otherwise, the team is completely average on paper. Not to say below average. Summerville is exciting, but far too unstable. Soucek has been a fixture in the middle for a long time, but is also about to expire. If West Ham is to save their place, matches must be won. This coming Sunday, they probably won't be won. Newcastle and Leeds are the two remaining matches. The question is whether this won't be too difficult, West Ham.

Arsenal – Now the Gunners are in position

The season can be crowned with the two biggest trophies. Yes, in the final against PSG you are underdogs, but in the domestic league you have everything in your own hands. Away against West Ham, at home against useless Burnley, and finally away against Crystal Palace. And to make it even better, a Palace team that will play the final in the Conference League, and could not care less about the end of the Premier League. Yes, this looks very bright, Arteta.

On paper, this is the most difficult match of the last three. The reason is simple and straightforward that West Ham still have a future to play for. Burnley is done, and Palace is focusing on other tasks. It is the match on Sunday that will in a way decide whether Arsenal will be champions in 2025/2026.

And Arsenal have this in their pocket now. They are a much better team than Sunday's hosts, and with normal play will be able to secure this without going completely into the basement. If they do that, they win, so there are probably some shoulders to be lowered at the Emirates. Arsenal have not won the Premier League in over 20 years, and have never won the Champions League. May 2026 can forever and always be the month with gold-edged italics in the club's history.

Conclusion – Class trumps desperation

Because it is clear that the hosts have to go for it here. Only victory is good enough, so you have to try with everything you have. What we have seen before is that once things start to unravel for West Ham, things can go really badly. We are leaning more in that direction than securing the points against title-chasing Arsenal.

So how will the match end? We can't help but imagine the Hammers scoring in the 90 minutes on their own turf. If they do, Arsenal will obviously have more than one goal of their own. Arsenal holding onto a 1-0 lead for much of the match seems risky, as they are only one mistake away from losing the league title. We think the visitors are playing their own game, which of course means defensive confidence and dangerous set pieces, but also efficiency in front of goal, and a desire for more goals to have something to go on in the potentially hectic final minutes.

Arsenal win, they score more than one, then you decide for yourself whether you want to go for a handicap bet, or if you do like us and find a middle ground. A win here will probably put the Champagne on the fridge in Arteta's office. We've been close before, but not as close as we are now.

England at 17:30: West Ham – Arsenal: Arsenal to win + Over 1.5 goals total (1.94)

Alternative game

England at 17:30: West Ham - Arsenal: Arsenal - 1.5 goals (2.70)