Arsenal mustn't play with its food vs. West Ham

Arsenal must end West Ham's resistance as soon as possible at the Emirates.

We are at the stage of the season where Arsenal can ill-afford any more slip-ups, and considering we have 13 league games left, that isn't ideal.

But with Liverpool boasting a seven-point buffer in the title race, that is exactly where Mikel Arteta's side finds itself - enter West Ham.

The Hammers appear to be there for the taking at the Emirates having only won one in their last five league games and have a crippling injury list, which Arsenal fans can sympathize with.

But we are in a results business and yes, while the Hammers aren't at full strength and are coming into this clash in poor form, the Gunners are in the thick of a title race, and this chance can't be wasted.

As we have seen so many times this season, teams come to the Emirates set up to defend and try to sneak a point, and that has worked - that is the danger here.

While on paper, there is nothing that Arsenal should fear about West Ham, Arteta's side must go for the throat and get the much-needed breakthrough as early as possible.

Why?

The longer the visitors are in the game and have something to hold on to, the stouter their defense becomes, and considering Arsenal's lack of options up front, that isn't ideal.

Raheem Sterling struggled last week and was replaced by Mikel Merino who hit a quickfire double to give Arsenal three points, and in truth, the club can't wait until then this time around to break through.

As our own James Cormack writes in his preview: "We shouldn't expect dazzling displays over the next couple of weeks. Arsenal merely need to be efficient."

That's the message - be efficient.

Arsenal needs to take its opportunities and kill the game off as soon as possible because the last thing Arteta wants is a West Ham team that grows in confidence in the second half and, god forbid, manages to sneak a goal and take all three points.

Yes, Arsenal is on the better side and is in better form, but we know that the football gods have a cruel sense of humor, and the game must be taken care of early to avoid any unnecessary nerves later in the game.

Heed your mother's warning from your childhood, Arsenal. Don't play with your food.

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