'I have seen it': Julen Lopetegui makes admission about Arsenal after watching them beat Sporting

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After 12 games played, Arsenal and West Ham United are separated by seven points in the Premier League table, two teams with differing aspirations.

Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal are aiming to win the Premier League, even if that might be a difficult prospect given how Liverpool have shot off in front.

On their part, even though they're in something of a transition season under Julen Lopetegui, West Ham will want to be competing for European football.

After parting ways with David Moyes, the expectation was that the club would swiftly move forward, explaining the hard task Lopetegui accepted.

That being said, Arsenal enjoyed an excellent 5-1 win on Tuesday away to Sporting CP, one day after the Hammers also delivered their most impressive away display of the season against Newcastle United. 

Julen Lopetegui says West Ham will be ready for ‘tough’ Arsenal test

Speaking at his press conference ahead of facing Arsenal, Lopetegui made some interesting comments about Arteta as a player, a manager and referenced the win over Sporting.

The West Ham boss was impressed by the Gunners, even if he didn't want to name individuals.

READ MORE: Ethan Nwaneri agrees terms over new Arsenal contract with Mikel Arteta's opinion on him disclosed

Asked about his compatriot, Lopetegui said: "He was a big, big player, in England above all. After that, he is doing very well as a coach. 

"He’s managing Arsenal in his way to work, and you can see how well he’s doing.

"So, we have to be ready for a really tough challenge, against top players. But, we have to believe in ourselves."

Asked about Arsenal's win against Sporting, Lopetegui continued: "It was a very good performance, for sure. Mikel has a lot of options, and a lot of ways to win. I have seen it, and they played really well.

"I won’t talk about any of their individual players, because they have many top players. I prefer not to talk about them, and instead focus on us."

Is Mohammed Kudus suspended against Arsenal?

Of course, one of the links between Arsenal and West Ham is Mohammed Kudus.

Arsenal are interested in signing Kudus – even with his lofty release clause.

Fortunately for Arteta, Kudus is suspended against Arsenal, he won't return until West Ham face Leicester City on December 3rd.

The Gunners will however still face the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta, two other players they'd probably like to sign in an ideal world.

A delicately poised game, and one that Arsenal simply can't afford not to win.