Arsenal aims to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool as they host West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 3 PM GMT. The match holds significant weight for both teams; for Arsenal, it presents an opportunity to keep pressure on Liverpool, who currently hold an eight-point lead, and for West Ham, it is a chance to escape the relegation zone.
Mikel Arteta's side has been on exceptional form, going unbeaten for 15 matches, boasting 10 victories and five draws. Despite missing key players such as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus due to injuries, Arsenal showed their resilience last weekend by defeating Leicester City 2-0, with Mikel Merino stepping up to score both goals late in the match. This adds pressure on Merino as he might be called upon to start as the central striker against West Ham.
West Ham, on the other hand, is struggling under manager Graham Potter, having secured just one win from their last eight matches. The Hammers find themselves perilously close to the relegation zone, sitting 16th on the table, just 10 points clear of the bottom three. Their last outing resulted in a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to Brentford, emphasizing the urgency for Potter to turn their fortunes around.
Arteta's plans for the match hinge on maximizing his squad’s strengths, and he has stated, "We really need him," referencing Raheem Sterling’s potential to make a significant impact. Sterling has struggled for form this season, starting only four league matches with just one goal scored. Given the multitude of injuries within the squad, his performance becomes even more pivotal.
On the other side, West Ham’s attack is also hampered by injuries, losing Lucas Paqueta to an ankle injury during training this week. This injury adds to the pressure on West Ham's forward players, as they seek to snap their winless streak. The return of Michail Antonio from injury would be timely for West Ham, but his availability remains uncertain.
The match will not air live on UK television due to the longstanding blackout rules, which prohibits the broadcasting of games played between 2:45 PM and 5:15 PM to protect attendances across the football pyramid. Instead, fans will be able to catch highlights later on BBC's Match of the Day, starting at 10:30 PM GMT on Saturday night.
Despite the lack of live coverage within the UK, international fans can tune in through local broadcasters. Those situated in the United States can catch the game live on the Peacock streaming service, providing a glimmer of hope for Arsenal supporters wanting to watch the action as it happens.
Looking back at the reverse fixture earlier this season, Arsenal thrashed West Ham 5-2, giving them added confidence heading back home. Such performances could pave the way for Arsenal to mount serious pressure on Liverpool, particularly if they secure another win today.
With significant stakes on the line for both clubs, Arsenal will aim to capitalize on their home advantage to inch closer to Liverpool, whilst West Ham will desperately search for any way to regain their footing and avoid the looming threat of relegation.