Arsenal vs West Ham United
Premier League
26th December 2022
Emirates Stadium
Arsenal entered the World Cup break as the proud leader of the Premier League, but lost Gabriel Jesus for a long time. Oleksandr Zinchenko, however, has every confidence in his replacement.
Gabriel Jesus sustained a knee injury during the World Cup and was therefore sidelined for months. “He is one of the leaders in our team. He is a real fighter,” Zinchenko said on the club’s website. “I have no doubt that he will come back much stronger than before, knowing him personally and his character. We have to stay together as a team.’
In the absence of Gabriel Jesus, all the pressure will fall on Eddie Nketiah, but Zinchenko is confident of that. “I have no doubt that Nketiah will do a great job and everyone trusts him. We have such a great group of people. We have this sense of togetherness.”
Zinchenko is happy with how he has been received at Arsenal, while his mind is often with the war in his native Ukraine. “I just try to do my job the best I can. I give 100 percent on the field. The fans have welcomed me so warmly at this club. I can’t be thankful enough for all they’ve done and the support I’ve received from them.”
Arsenal will resume the Premier League on Boxing Day on Monday with a home game against West Ham United. The team of manager Mikel Arteta is five points ahead of number two Manchester City, the old club of Arteta and Zinchenko, after fourteen matches.
Arsenal vs West Ham United: Odds
Asian handicap: +1.25 Arsenal @ 1.74 odds.
Both teams to score @ 1.97 odds.
