WATCH – Arsenal v West Ham. Arsenal have been hit hard by attacking injuries but Mikel Merino emerged as the unlikely emergency striking hero after jumping off the bench to scor

Arsenal can trim the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool down to just four points on Saturday as they welcome West Ham to the Emirates Stadium. Racked by injuries up front, Mikel Arteta's side had to dig deep last time out, before two late goals from auxiliary striker Mikel Merino secured them victory at Leicester.

Midfielder Mikel Merino is the main man for Arsenal up front now after two such important late goals against Leicester last week. With Liverpool dropping points against Aston Villa on Wednesday, Arsenal have them in their sights and it will be really interesting to see how Gunners boss Mikel Arteta approaches this game.

The Gunners could reduce the gap to Liverpool to 6 points with a win against the Hammers.

Mikel Merino will hope his two-goal salvo last time out is enough to earn a start for Arsenal for today’s visit of West Ham in the Premier League. Merino excelled off the bench last week as an emergency striker and scored twice as Arsenal beat Leicester 2-0 at the King Power Stadium.

West Ham have just one win in their last eight matches across all competitions, meanwhile Arsenal have just one defeat in their last eight matches. The Gunners will look to keep their strong Premier League form going despite the injury crisis hitting Mikel Arteta's squad.

Arsenal host West Ham at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, knowing that a win could mount serious pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool. Three points here would cut the gap to the top to just five points ahead of the Reds’ visit to Manchester City on Sunday.

Arsenal face West Ham this Saturday at the Emirates in Premier League Matchday 26. Arsenal sit 2nd with 53 points, while West Ham are 16th on 27 points. Mikel Arteta's side are unbeaten in their last 15 league games,