Regan Kaczon blog

Arsenal aim for league boost after cup disappointment

LONDON (AFP) – Arsenal hope to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they travel to London rivals West Ham on Saturday after two disappointing cup outings.

The Gunners surprisingly lost 1-0 at Championship side Ipswich Town on Wednesday in the first leg of the semi-final of the League Cup.

And the previous Saturday had seen them held 1-1 at the Emirates Stadium in the FA Cup third round by another second division club, Leeds United.

Arsenal are still well placed in the race for the Premier League title, although they are four points behind leaders Manchester United -- the last team to beat them in league action.

Champions Chelsea and Birmingham were beaten over the festive period and these results, together with draws against Wigan and Manchester City, added up to a satisfying points haul for Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere.

"Overall I thought we had a good Christmas period," the 18-year-old said. "We got eight points from four games and we're close to Manchester United so it's been a successful period.

"We need to learn to see out games a bit more. We've had some disappointing results when we've been leading and teams have come back to draw or beat us."

Arsenal were not at all impressive against Ipswich, however, and defender Johan Djourou called for an instant improvement at Upton Park.

"We have to pick ourselves up because we have a very important game against West Ham on Saturday," the Switzerland international said. "We are disappointed, but we have to bounce back straight away."

One man who is certain to be the centre of attention is West Ham captain Matthew Upson, who has been linked with a return to Arsenal.

The England centre-back, who played in last year's World Cup, will become a free agent at the end of the season, hence the possibility of the Hammers cashing in now but Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has so far declined to offer any indication that a deal is close to fruition.

Avram Grant's side are fighting to stay in the Premier League and know that, although they are currently bottom, one victory could potentially take them above six relegation rivals.

West Ham, who are also vying to reach the League Cup final and beat Birmingham 2-1 at Upton Park on Tuesday in their semi-final first leg, have been linked with former Arsenal and England defender Sol Campbell, currently at Newcastle.

One man definitely signed by the Hammers is left-back Wayne Bridge, who has arrived on loan from Manchester City in time for a testing debut.

Grant's position has been the focus of speculation ever since he succeeded Gianfranco Zola in pre-season, with out-of-work managers Martin O'Neill and Sam Allardyce having been touted as successors.

But West Ham midfielder Scott Parker was adamant the players were still keen to make a success of the Grant regime "We're definitely playing for our manager," he said.

"If you believed everything that you hear about West Ham in the press then you'd be rather a stressed man. He seems relaxed, that's his demeanour.

The spirit is high. As much as the gaffer (manager) is fighting, we're all fighting as well.

"We're all in the same corner, we're all trying to do the best for ourselves, the manager and the club. The manager has tons and tons of experience, he's doing a good job."