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5 keys to Arsenal versus West Ham

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: Reece Oxford and James Tomkins of West Ham United jump for the ball along with Olivier Giroud of Arsenal during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on August 9, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: Reece Oxford and James Tomkins of West Ham United jump for the ball along with Olivier Giroud of Arsenal during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on August 9, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) /
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BLACKBURN, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 21: Dimitri Payetof West Ham United celebrates after scoring his team's second goal from a free kick during The Emirates FA Cup fifth round match between Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United at Ewood park on February 21, 2016 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
BLACKBURN, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 21: Dimitri Payetof West Ham United celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal from a free kick during The Emirates FA Cup fifth round match between Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United at Ewood park on February 21, 2016 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /

2. Dimitri Payet free kicks

It’s not a secret any longer. If you want to beat West Ham, you cannot give away free kicks in dangerous areas. If you do, Dimitri Payet will absolutely rip your heart out.

It may sound simple, but Arsenal has to avoid fouling West Ham in their final third. Every time they give Payet an opportunity  to weave his free kick magic, it’s a significant scoring chance for the Hammers.

The trouble is that West Ham have several attackers who are extremely adept at drawing fouls. Payet, of course, can draw fouls on his own but Manuel Lanzini might be an even better threat. Don’t underestimate his ability to wreak havoc on the Arsenal defense as well.

As a Tottenham fan I’m hoping to see some of Payet’s patented free kick magic today, but Arsenal fans should hide their eyes whenever he gets an opportunity to stand over the ball. Payet’s skill via the free kick is an absolute nightmare for opposing Premier League defenses. Arsenal will try everything in their power to make sure they don’t end up on Payet’s highlight reel.

Next: 1. Which side will really go for it?

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