The West Ham United v Arsenal clash is assuming epic proportions with huge repercussions at the top and bottom of the Premeir League. Manchester City’s win over Brentford pushes them to within two points of Arsenal with three games remaining in the season. Which puts the pressure firmly back on Arteta’s side.
At the bottom, West Ham are a point adrift and desperate for a David v Goliath-style outcome this afternoon knowing that however unlikely, three points would lift them out of the relegation zone until nearest rivals Tottenham play tomorrow.
From far and wide the game this afternoon is attracting media interest and fan frenzy, including from Germany’s Bundesliga, where former Hammer Vladi Coufal is still wowing fans as his Hoffenheim push for Champions League qualification.
Speaking to capitalfootball.co.uk, the former Hammers Prague hero admits that:
Despite being discarded unceremoniously by West Ham United, his heart is still with his former side:
“We have to play our game… I still say ‘our’, sorry. I am still there (Coufal smiles). West Ham just have to play their game: their philosophy, set-pieces, be tough to beat and give everything. And I think with the help of the fans, who will be right behind them tomorrow, they will get it tomorrow. The fans will be right on their feet.
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Still a West Ham fan through and through – Vladi Coufal still 100% behind the hammers
Even if they didn’t get a result tomorrow, there will still be two games to go. They can win in Newcastle and the last game is Leeds at home. No problem at all. I hope they will show the togetherness tomorrow, which I was told has returned since Nuno Espírito Santo took over. “
Far from resenting the side that discarded him, Vladi still clearly loves his former home and would like nothing more than to see West Ham survive. Kudos to the man. Still think we let him go a season early.
Perhaps his upbeat assessment of the ultimate outcome can also serve as a reminder for us all (me included) to keep the faith until the final whistle of the final game.