Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is expecting a tough assignment for his former club when they visit the London Stadium this weekend to face West Ham United.
Speaking on Monday Night Football following Manchester City’s dramatic 3-3 draw at Everton, Henry issued a pointed warning to Arsenal after they were handed the title-race advantage for the first time in a while.
“I said earlier that I could see City dropping points against Everton and that I’m worried about the West Ham game,” the Arsenal legend said.
“So I’m going to stay in my lane and not celebrate too early, because nothing is done yet.”
West Ham are currently in the relegation zone, meaning Sunday’s match at the London Stadium carries enormous stakes.
There is a reason Henry drew a comparison between Everton—a side fighting for European football—and his former club’s next opponents.
Desperate teams do not read the form guide. They do not care that Arsenal have lost only a few games this season. They care about three points, and they will leave everything on the pitch to get them.
That is exactly the kind of opponent that makes title-chasing sides nervous.
The atmosphere inside the London Stadium on Sunday will be unlike anything Arsenal have experienced in this title run-in.
Arsenal arrive at the London Stadium as title favourites; West Ham arrive fighting for their Premier League survival.
History is littered with examples of which motivation proves stronger. Henry already knows the answer, which is precisely why he is worried.