Arsenal return to Premier League action next week after a break of over one month, due to the first ever winter World Cup. The Gunners sit top of the table on the resumption of the league, five points clear of nearest challengers and current champions Manchester City.
A London derby clash against West Ham on Boxing Day will be a tough match to return to, with the Hammers desperate to improve their form after a disappointing start to the campaign. The game will also most likely show just how much of an impact the World Cup may have had on the league.
On the challenge ahead, manager Mikel Arteta told the official Arsenal website: "I know David [Moyes] very well because I worked with him for seven years. I'm sure that he has worked the team hard and has put big demands on them. They've been terrific since he joined the club and I always think it's a really difficult match-up.”
READ MORE: Arsenal shirt numbers available to Alexis Mac Allister if 'next Lionel Messi' makes transfer
Ahead of the match, Arteta set up a behind-closed-doors friendly with Championship side Luton Town, playing out a 0-0 draw against them. The Spaniard sent out a strong side in the clash, though there were some notable absences from the game, including the likes of Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
The Express reports that Zinchenko and Reiss Nelson missed out through injury, while Tomiyasu was one of two players that were rested after being involved against Juventus. The second is Kieran Tierney, who has had plenty of question marks hanging over his head when it comes to his future at Arsenal.
The Scotland international has struggled to find his way into the side at times this season, trying to adapt to becoming an inverted full-back in the current system. With the lack of game time, there have been suggestions that an exit in January could be on the cards, though that remains to be seen as for Arteta, he is spoilt for choice at the back with Tierney involved.
READ NEXT:
The three things that must happen when Arsenal face West Ham in Premier League return
Arsenal to avoid naming Mykhaylo Mudryk in Premier League squad if £40m transfer is completed
Arsenal can still pull off £32m Youri Tielemans transfer gamble - but only on one condition
Mikel Arteta's best alternative Arsenal line-up includes Aubameyang and Saka but no Martinelli
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: The latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
