**I like the Arsenal of the past week. Lots of fun. I wonder how points clear we'd be hadn't Martin Odegaard banged up his ankle back in September?**
Inspired by their dazzling skipper, the Gunners have breezed past Nottingham Forest and made light work of one of the continent's form teams. [Sporting CP couldn't cope with an Arsenal team](https://paininthearsenal.com/sporting-cp-1-5-arsenal-player-ratings-26-11-24) that are suddenly firing on all cylinders again and teasing a return to their imperious best.
However, a sub-par start to the season leaves Mikel Arteta's side with little margin for error. The momentum gained post-November break must be maintained for the foreseeable if they're to get back into the title race.
West Ham are up next, and here's the team Arteta could pick for the contest.
Can Arsenal extend their winning run to three games? / Gualter Fatia/GettyImages
**David Raya (GK) -** Raya was excellent on Tuesday despite the lack of a clean sheet, and the Spaniard will remain an ever-present throughout 2024/25.
**Jurrien Timber (RB) -** Timber was my standout performer in Lisbon. The Dutchman is growing in importance with every passing week, and he looks at home at right-back.
**William Saliba (CB) -** Fresh off his [tussle with Europe's most prolific forward](https://paininthearsenal.com/how-did-viktor-gyokeres-fair-potential-arsenal-audition), Saliba next has a duel with the enterprising Michail Antonio to enjoy.
**Gabriel (CB) -** Gabriel will see plenty of Antonio, but there's no guarantee the Brazilian will be able to beat the Jamaican international physically. The Brazilian has once again been a steady force at the heart of Arsenal's backline this term.
**Riccardo Calafiori (LB) -** The Italian's minutes are being carefully managed having returned from a knee injury over the break. Calafiori may well be withdrawn before the 90-minute mark on Saturday, where he'll be tested by the canny Jarrod Bowen.
**Thomas Partey (CM) -** Partey has rediscovered his very best form. Finally injury-free, the experienced midfielder has emerged as an undroppable figure at the base of Arsenal's midfield.
**Declan Rice (CM) -** The England international returned from injury on Tuesday and should retain his place in the team as he returns to the London Stadium. Rice scored a stunner on his previous appearance in east London.
**Martin Odegaard (CM) -** The skipper's returned to light to Arteta's side. The beacon of hope. Of course he starts.
**Bukayo Saka (RW) -** Excellent again on Tuesday, the inevitable Saka enjoyed himself at the London Stadium last time out. Is there a left-back in the league capable of slowing him down when he's teaming up with Odegaard down Arsenal's right?
**Kai Havertz (ST) -** Havertz is another to benefit from Odegaard's return. The German can refocus on staying central and poaching in the box as opposed to drifting wide. Expect an increase in output over the coming weeks.
**Gabriel Martinelli (LW) -** Much of Arsenal's play will focus down the right with Odegaard back, meaning Martinelli has a big role to play on the goalscoring front. He's goingb to have plenty of opportunities to finish at the back post.