Two London clubs, two completely different seasons, one stadium. West Ham (18th, 36 points) host Arsenal (1st, 76 points) on Sunday in a Premier League matchday 36 fixture that carries genuine weight from both sides of the pitch. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side need points to escape the relegation zone with 3 games to play, while Mikel Arteta’s Gunners arrive at the London Stadium riding the high of a 1-0 Champions League semi-final win over Atletico Madrid just four days ago. The gap between these two clubs in the table is 40 points. The gap in what each needs from this match is far narrower.
What’s at stake
West Ham sit in 18th place on 36 points after 35 matches, currently occupying a relegation spot. With only 3 games remaining in the Premier League season, Tottenham (17th, 37 points) are just one point above them. The Hammers cannot afford another result like last weekend’s 3-0 loss at Brentford. Every point between now and the final whistle of the season matters. Arsenal, meanwhile, lead the table on 76 points, five clear of second-placed Manchester City (71 points, one game in hand). Their European place is long secured and the title remains the objective with 3 games to play.
A West Ham win would lift them level with Tottenham on points and would deliver a real boost to their survival push in the final two fixtures after this one. A loss or draw keeps them embedded in the bottom three and puts pressure squarely on their remaining matches. For Arsenal, three points would extend their lead at the top and potentially put the title within touching distance depending on City’s results. A slip here would hand City an opportunity to close the gap further.
How they got here
West Ham’s last five competitive outings read: L (0-3 at Brentford), W (2-1 vs Everton), D (0-0 at Crystal Palace), W (4-0 vs Wolves), D (2-2 vs Leeds in the FA Cup). That form line of L-W-D-W-D reflects a side that can beat teams around them but struggles for consistency against stronger opposition. The heavy defeat at Brentford eight days ago did nothing for confidence ahead of a visit from the league leaders. Arsenal’s last five show: W (1-0 vs Atletico Madrid, UCL semi-final), W (3-0 vs Fulham), D (1-1 at Atletico Madrid, UCL semi-final first leg), W (1-0 vs Newcastle), L (1-2 at Manchester City). Their league form is strong, and beating Atletico Madrid over two legs to reach the Champions League final adds a layer of confidence that money cannot buy.
Arsenal top the table on 76 points from 35 games with a record of 23 wins, 7 draws and 5 losses. Their goal difference stands at plus 41 (67 scored, 26 conceded). West Ham’s numbers tell a different story: 9 wins, 9 draws and 17 losses, with 42 goals scored and 61 conceded over the same number of games. In the context of this fixture, Arsenal have lost just 5 league matches all season. West Ham have lost 17.
Key battle to watch
The most telling duel on the pitch will be how West Ham’s attack, led by players like Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville, handles an Arsenal defensive unit that has conceded just 26 league goals all season. Viktor Gyökeres (14 league goals) gives Arsenal a constant threat in behind, and West Ham’s backline, which has shipped 61 goals this season, will need to be organized from the first whistle. Tomas Soucek’s ability to win the midfield battle against a deep Arsenal engine room featuring Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi could be the deciding factor in whether West Ham get any foothold in the match.
Key Stats
Our Prediction
Arsenal have won 6 of the last 10 meetings between these sides and arrive in far superior form, with a Champions League final now on the horizon after beating Atletico Madrid. West Ham showed real vulnerability in their 3-0 loss at Brentford, and facing the league’s best attack at home is a different proposition entirely. Arteta may rotate with the UCL final in mind, but Arsenal’s squad depth is substantial, and a team that has conceded just 26 league goals all season should be able to handle a West Ham attack that has struggled for consistency all campaign. Expect Arsenal to control this one and leave East London with the three points.