Nuno Espirito Santo ready to shut down Declan Rice’s superpower in Arsenal vs West Ham
Declan Rice could the difference maker for Arsenal against his former club West Ham this weekend.
Rice joined Arsenal for £100million from the Hammers back in 2023, and has become one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
The 26-year-old starred in Arsenal’s 2-1 win at Newcastle which closed the gap on leaders Liverpool to two points following their defeat against Crystal Palace.
Rice has been picked as one of Arsenal’s key players in their pursuit of a first Premier League title since 2004.
Arsenal have advantage over West Ham in one area
West Ham’s new manager Nuno Espirito Santo gained a positive first result in charge of the club with a 1-1 draw at Everton.
The former Nottingham Forest manager will need to work hard on the training ground to rectify one huge defensive concern currently in his squad.
The Hammers have conceded the most goals from set-pieces this season, with a particular vulnerability from corners.
Rice has been renowned for his corner deliveries at Arsenal, with the Gunners scoring the most from set-pieces including Gabriel’s winner at Newcastle.
Arsenal have had 45 corners this season in the Premier League, with Rice taking 24 of them, and 18 shots have been had from such scenarios with six goals.
| Stat/Club | Arsenal | West Ham |
| Goals Scored from set-pieces | 7 | 1 |
| Goals Conceded from set-pieces | 2 | 8 |
Nuno Espirito Santo has pedigree in fixing set-piece issues
Under Nuno last season, Nottingham Forest conceded just nine set-piece goals in the Premier League after conceding the most in the division the campaign previously.
Nuno fixed the Tricky Trees’ problems from such situations, but the Hammers conceded again from a corner against Everton.
Rice’s in-swinging corners will test Alphonse Areola and the goalkeeper will need to be strong unlike Altay Bayindir against Arsenal on matchday one.
If West Ham are able to get anything from Arsenal, then defending against set-pieces will be the key.