Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson believes that West Ham United are not capable of securing all three points in their next clash against Arsenal this weekend.
The former Gunner believes that because that the Hammers have struggled so far this season after two losses on the bounce, his old side will take advantage by running riot against Manuel Pellegrini’s team.
Merson has predicted a resounding 3-0 win for Arsenal, condemning the Irons to their third straight defeat since Pellegrini took charge competitively, and took the time to blast the club for selling Cheikhou Kouyate.
“I don’t see anything other than an Arsenal win here. West Ham have struggled, and I don’t see anything different from them compared to last year,” Merson told Sky Sports.
“I can’t get over Cheikhou Kouyate leaving for Crystal Palace for that kind of money, he’s the only one who had any legs in midfield, and I think Arsenal will run riot.”
OPINION
Merson has arguably been accurate in his prediction here, and you cannot blame him for thinking that West Ham will be condemned to another heavy defeat. Based on their recent showings, he is right – if they continue the same type of diabolical defending, then Arsenal will run rings around them. Jack Wilshere obviously has a lot to prove against his former club after they let him go this summer, so we may see an improvement in his performance compared to what we have seen of him already this term. Unai Emery’s side were unlucky against Chelsea last weekend – they had a number of chances, but they failed to materialise. This is one of the threats they pose to a weak West Ham side, so it would not be surprising if they did put a few goals past them. Pellegrini could not have asked for a worse start as boss – but he most not get his hopes up against Emery’s side.
