Mikel Merino reality check as Mikel Arteta gamble fails - Declan Rice and Gabriel struggle on nightmare afternoon for Gunners

Arsenal’s 15-game unbeaten Premier League run came to an end as West Ham United thwarted their attempt to reduce the gap to leaders Liverpool at the top of the table. Liverpool have dropped points in two of their past three matches and travel to Manchester City on Sunday, a ground at which they have not won in 10 years.

Mikel Arteta has opted to start Mikel Merino at striker in Arsenal's Premier League clash with West Ham United on Saturday afternoon. The Gunners are without a natural striker due to injuries to both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz,