Hello and how are you? Saturday 4th of October, will see the Might Cannon host a visit at Ashburton Grove from our East End neighbours, West Ham. Kick off is at 16.00pm (3.00pm UK time). Expected weather is 15° and windy and 24% chance of rain. This is Arteta’s 300 game in charge (58% win rate) and Saka’s 200 game. Milestones! “Great track” (1958) said Miles Davis, “have a listen”…

A poor start for West Ham this year, currently sitting in 19th position ( W 1 D 1 L 4 F 6 A 14) meant that last week they said adieu to their manager Graham Potter, and after his (odd) departure from Nottingham Forest three games into the season they now have hope of rekindling their winning ways with new manager and ex-goalkeeper Nuno Espírito Santo. Nuno’s average win rate is 48.4%. He did well at Wolves and at Forest but had a terrible time at the Spuds (which we didn’t complain about), but from what I’ve seen, many a West Ham fan seem pleased he’s at the club, having helped them to 1-1 draw with Everton on the 29th of September.

West Ham might consider themselves a bogey team for the Arsenal as we have lost only four of our last 42 home games and two of those was against West Ham. Losses in Feb 2025 and Dec 2023. “So what?” said Miles Davis. However head to head its: P 153 W 74 D 41 L 38. Our first match with them was on the 13th January 1906 and a draw at the Manor ground (att.18,000) and eventually a victory on the 18th of January at Upton Park (att.12,000) for the replay in the FAC.

George Earthy is out for the Hammers (hamstring, four four weeks at least), Soucek is still suspended following his red card against Tottenham. Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham’s player of the year 2024/5, following his 15million quid move from Manchester United) will be returning.

Gabriel will face a late fitness test for Arsenal, after colliding with David Raya in the no problem 2-0 victory against Olympiacos, but even if not playing we have (now) a decent squad and decent coverage. Phew! Hincapi will be back after the International break…

Statto HQ sent over a marconigram and they dot and dashed out the message that Arsenal have a 79.7 % chance of victory, and West Ham are 6.6%. COYG!

Mills

Apparently the bookies hve made us favorites to win the league. That can bring unwanted pressure and bad memories from recent times where we briefly went favorite and as we didn’t win anything, that could go down as a failure. Still, bookies do know a thing or two, even if it’s only how to fleece gullible punters.

Salina signing a new deal is great news for the club, fans and Mikel. Although many fans doubt him, this signing indicates to me that the players don’t, and if the board feel that he is a major reason why they can keep their big assets, that’s more power to his elbow. Also, if the players truly believe in him ( I believe they do), that increases our chances of winning, because team spirit is huge.

Our captain is back and looks like he is back to his best, all be it only in one game, but his return will tell us if Mikel is prepared to be bold and pair him in the middle with Eze or will our new shiny signing be moved back to the left wing? We will see.

Until next time, enjoy the game and life.

Pedantic George.