Arteta Urged to Unleash Arsenal’s “Wild Horse” to Contain £100m Star Player

Arteta’s Key to Arsenal’s Success Against West Ham: Starting Riccardo Calafiori: Arsenal appears to be regaining their momentum, winning back-to-back matches for the first time in nearly two months. After a dominant 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest last weekend and an impressive 5-1 win against Sporting CP in the Champions League, the Gunners seem to be finding their rhythm once more....CONTINUE READING>>>

However, their next challenge comes in the form of a revitalized West Ham United, fresh off a victory against Newcastle United. To keep their winning streak alive and contain West Ham’s £100m-rated Jarrod Bowen, Mikel Arteta must deploy his strongest lineup, including summer signing Riccardo Calafiori.

Arsenal’s Recent Standouts

Several players shone in Arsenal’s recent performances. Bukayo Saka played a pivotal role against Sporting CP, providing an assist and scoring from the penalty spot. Gabriel Martinelli continued his fine form with the opening goal, while captain Martin Ødegaard orchestrated the midfield with precision and creativity, winning a penalty and driving the team forward throughout the game.

Despite the attacking brilliance, one player who stood out for his defensive and offensive contributions was Riccardo Calafiori.

Why Calafiori Must Start Against West Ham

The Italian full-back, signed for £42m in the summer, has shown flashes of brilliance despite an injury-disrupted start to his Arsenal career. Known for his relentless energy and ability to dominate both ends of the pitch, Calafiori has earned comparisons to a “wild horse on the loose,” as described by journalist Sam Dean.

His impressive statistics underline his quality. Calafiori ranks in the top 2% of full-backs in Europe for pass completion and aerial duels won, the top 7% for interceptions, and the top 11% for assists. Standing at 6’2”, he offers both physical presence and technical ability, making him the ideal candidate to neutralize Bowen’s threat while posing a significant attacking danger.

The Tactical Advantage

Calafiori’s ability to surge forward down the flank will force Bowen to track back, limiting his offensive impact. Unlike other options like Jakub Kiwior or Oleksandr Zinchenko, Calafiori provides a unique combination of defensive solidity and attacking flair, making him a dual threat that could prove crucial at the London Stadium.

Arsenal’s Path Forward

Heading into the clash as favorites, Arsenal has the tools to secure all three points. However, starting Calafiori could be the key to both containing West Ham’s star player and maintaining their attacking momentum. If Arteta makes this tactical call, the Gunners could continue their resurgence and solidify their position in the Premier League race.