Mikel Merino reality check as Mikel Arteta gamble fails - Declan Rice and Gabriel struggle on nightmare afternoon for Gunners

Arsenal fell to a West Ham side who executed the perfect snatch-and-grab. The hit to the Gunners' momentum could be a title-ending blow after the weekend is out. Jarrod Bowen struck against Arsenal again,

Mikel Arteta has revealed Arsenal have several options to start upfront against West Ham on Saturday after problem-solving in training.

Arsenal: Mikel Arteta 'needs another Merino' as he ponders striker decision - Arteta seeking more unlikely heroes as he weighs up Mikel Merino move for West Ham clash

Arsenal host West Ham in the Premier League this afternoon hoping to draw closer to Liverpool in the title race. The Gunners have reignited their title challenge in recent weeks but still trail Arne Slot’s men by eight points after Liverpool drew 2-2 with Aston Villa during the week.

David Raya has suggested that Mikel Merino is unlikely to start up front for Arsenal despite his match-winning heroics off the bench last weekend. Injuries to several key attackers have left Mikel Arteta’s side bereft of options in the final third,

Arsenal: The stats that show why Mikel Merino should start as striker against West Ham - Data could be key factor as Mikel Arteta weighs up whether to start Spaniard up front this weekend