Arsene Wenger pinpoints CRUCIAL Arsenal position ahead of West Ham showdown

ARSENE WENGER says Arsenal must shut down West Ham's wide men if they are to beat the Hammers this afternoon.

13:35, Sat, Mar 14, 2015 | UPDATED: 13:41, Sat, Mar 14, 2015

Nacho Monreal at Arsenal GETTY

Arsene Wenger (right) singled out Nacho Monreal (left) for praise

The Gunners are on a three-game winning streak and host West Ham today knowing a win will further boost their chances of securing a top-four finish.

They beat Sam Allardyce's men 2-1 in this reverse fixture before the New Year, with goals from Santi Cazorla and Danny Welbeck making the difference.

And Wenger revealed in his programme notes the best way to beat West Ham is to utilise the full-back position.

“When you look back at the positive results of the team you always realise that you have great full backs,” Wenger wrote.

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“That is a vital part in any successful team.

“Today they are dangerous going forward, they have crucial, important decisions to make defensively, and they contribute in a reliable way to the defensive efficiency. It’s probably one of the most important positions in the team.

“[Nacho Manoreal] has done [well in] Manchester. It’s his city because he got us a penalty at City and he got us our first goal at United.

“We are all pleased for him because we have two fantastic left backs. They have produced great contributions this season.”