Arsenal returned to winning ways as they cruised to a spectacularly constructed 3-0 win at the Emirates Stadium against West Ham United. Goals from Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud were enough to bag all three points as the North London-based club are toiling for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
On the other side of the shore, Crystal Palace succumbed to Southampton at St. Mary’s by a 3-1 score line but have been shown signs of a revival of late. These two sides from London are due to lock horns against each other on Tuesday and here are three Arsenal players who really need to be at the peak of their form to outclass Sam Allardyce’s brigade.
Mesut Ozil
Mesut Ozil’s season has certainly been below his yardsticks but then, a spectacular goal and an appealing assist to Theo Walcott against West Ham United might have come at the most precise time for him.
The German superstar would undoubtedly be the most sought after player at the Selhurst Park on Tuesday to unlock Crystal Palace’s defence, carve juicy goal scoring chances and to steer the Gunners forward to damage the opponents.
He is seemingly likely to dictate the tempo of the side in the final third in this high-intensity fixture and has to chip in with at least a goal or an assist.
Shkodran Mustafi
Christian Benteke is likely to be stationed up front by Allardyce, which implies that the physical battle between the Eagles’ poacher and Arsenal’s resilient centre-back in the shape of Shkodran Mustafi should really be the most vital battle to witness.
Mustafi needs to stand steadfast and strong at the Selhurst Park, needs to take pro-active measures to silent the attacking endeavours of the opponents and has to command to the backline to ensure no harm is done.
Alexis Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez is unarguably a player in Wenger’s side who constantly wants to excel himself and be the centre of attention week in and week out. The Chilean wasn’t at his very best against the Hammers and would be pining to taste for blood in their next outing.
His pace on the wings, an unparalleled knack to leave the opponents in awe with his movements and trickery with the ball, ability to cut inside and shoot from the edge of the box should be something which the home side’s defensive unit must have to particularly be wary of.
