PREVIEW // HAMMERS AIM TO STRIKE FIRST AGAINST GUNNERS

West Ham stunned premier league Champions Chelsea on Saturday to secure a first victory for David Moyes, so what better way to follow that up than successive London derby successes as Arsenal visit London Stadium on Wednesday night.

Marko Arnautovic’s early goal was enough to beat the Blues and Moyes has said a similar start against the Gunners would be perfect as he expects another tough test.

“If we can score another early goal, we’ll be thrilled,” said Moyes.

“Arsenal are a really good team with excellent players, but we need to find a way of getting a result.”

Following Saturday’s impressive win, the Hammers boss could name an unchanged side as Michail Antonio was declared available after running himself ragged against Chelsea.

Cheikhou Kouyate returned to training on Monday and is in line for a return to the squad, whilst Andy Carroll and Chicharito continue to build up their match-fitness.

“Cheik has returned a little bit, so we’re hoping we can get him back quite quickly,” said Moyes.

“Chicharito and Carroll were back on the bench at the weekend, we’re pretty much as we were really.

“The only doubt is Edi Fernandes who hurt his ankle in training, that’s it.”

The goalkeeper position has been up for debate recently as Adrian displaced Joe Hart on Saturday after impressing in defeat to Manchester City. But the manager doesn’t dismiss Hart’s role in the squad, not just as a player but in the dressing room.

“At this moment, Adrian played well on Saturday, I’m sure Joe will give Adrian all the respect from that position,” said Moyes.

“Joe is good in the dressing room, he’s a really good guy and his level experience and the game and competitions he has played in are important for all of us.

“I’m really pleased I have two good goalkeepers and them to be competitive, Joe is here, I’m picking the West Ham team, not the England team.”

Looking to their opponents, Olivier Giroud’s equaliser at Southampton meant he has scored the most substitute goals for one club in the Premier League - 17. Moyes said his side will have to give the same kind of performance against Arsenal to stop Giroud and the rest of their attack.

“Giroud scored against me at Sunderland last year, he’s important for Arsenal,” said the manager.

“They’ve got good forwards and we’ll have to work hard to keep them out.”