Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of the Premier League meeting between Arsenal and West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium. This match marks the beginning of the end for long-serving Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who announced on Friday morning that he is to step aside next month following a 22-year spell at the club.

The hosts are unlikely to finish any higher or lower than sixth in the top flight this term, meaning that the Europa League is their sole priority over the coming weeks. Momentum heading into that huge semi-final first-leg showdown with Atletico Madrid on Thursday night is imperative, especially after suffering another disappointing away defeat at Newcastle United last time out.

ARSENAL TEAM NEWS!

STARTING XI: Ospina; Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Xhaka, Elneny; Ramsey, Iwobi, Welbeck; Lacazette

SUBS: Macey, Mertesacker, Holding, Chambers, Maitland-Niles, Nelson, Aubameyang

Starting with a look at the home side, Wenger has stuck to his plan of naming a strong starting lineup for this clash, using it to prepare for Thursday's meeting with Atletico. That explains Alexandre Lacazette's inclusion up top, rather than going with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who is ineligible to play on Thursday night. Danny Welbeck, in decent form of late, will operate out on the left and Alex Iwobi on the right.

There is no Mesut Ozil in the matchday squad today but Aaron Ramsey returns from a calf problem to start in the number 10 position, where he has looked very impressive in recent weeks. Ozil's absence is put down to illness, while Petr Cech misses out through a hip problem and both Jack Wilshere and Sead Kolasinac have injured their ankles. Mohamed Elneny and Granit Xhaka are therefore used in defensive midfield; David Ospina fills in between the sticks.

Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal continue to operate at full-back, either side of Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi, who Wenger admits has been struggling for confidence of late. There are five changes made by Arsenal in all following their 2-1 loss at St James' Park - Ospina, Bellerin, Koscielny, Ramsey and Welbeck all coming back into the side. The big news, though, is that Lacazette starts over Aubameyang.

WEST HAM UNITED TEAM NEWS!

STARTING XI: Hart; Ogbonna, Rice, Cresswell; Zabaleta, Kouyate, Noble, Masuaku; Fernandes, Mario; Arnautovic

SUBS: Adrian, Evra, Cullen, Hugill, Lanzini, Carroll, Hernandez

In terms of the visitors, David Moyes has gone with an unchanged starting lineup following the 1-1 draw with Stoke City at the start of the week. That means Joe Hart retains his place in goal, despite talk of the England international possibly being dropped today following his latest high-profile error against the Potters. Adrian is made to watch on from the bench, waiting for his next chance.

Andy Carroll was pushing for a start today after scoring from the bench against Stoke, but he is clearly not yet at peak fitness and has to be eased back into contention. The English striker has scored three in his last three Premier League matches, spread over 110 days, and he provides something a little different from the bench if required. Javier Hernandez is also among the subs, with the Mexican yet to score in four league attempts against Arsenal.

Moyes has gone with a back five of Pablo Zabaleta, Declan Rice, Angelo Ogbonna, Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku. Skipper Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate will sit in central midfield, while Joao Mario and Edimilson Fernandes - impressive since making his return from injury - will look to support Marko Arnautovic up top. James Collins is not ready for a return to the bench and Pedro Obiang is another absentee.

Arsene Wenger has made five changes to his starting lineup ahead of Thursday night's meeting with Atletico Madrid. A number of those alterations are enforced, with Jack Wilshere, Petr Cech, Sead Kolasinac and Mesut Ozil struggling through illness or injury, but the big news is that Alexandre Lacazette - four goals in his last five matches - is retained up top.

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The Gunners head into this match occupying sixth place in the Premier League table, where they have been for a while and will almost certainly finish the campaign. The top four is 14 points out of reach, while behind them Burnley are two points worse off after playing a game more. Wenger's biggest concern will be holding off the Clarets, and three points here will see them remain on course to do exactly that.

Burnley's impressive form of late, even accounting for the 2-1 loss to Chelsea on Thursday night, means that Arsenal cannot switch off entirely just yet - finishing seventh really would be an embarrassment for Wenger in his final season at the helm. The Gunners appeared to have used their Europa League form to turn a corner domestically as they recently won three in a row, scoring nine goals and conceding just two.

That positive run came to an end last time out, though, as they suffered a 2-1 loss at Newcastle United to see their away day problems continue. Arsenal are the only side in the top four tiers of English football yet to claim a point on their travels in 2018, losing all five games away from the Emirates Stadium. The good news is that they have won five of their last six here, scoring at least three in each win.

Arsenal now have five more league matches to get through, although each of those have now taken on added significance following Friday's surprise announcement. Wenger's contract was due to be reviewed in the summer but, with a year still to run on the deal signed last May, it was agreed that he will step aside in a month's time. If certain reports in the British press are to be believed, it was a case of Wenger jumping before he was pushed.

The trip to Manchester United on April 29 will be a particularly emotional one for Wenger, who has had a number of memorable clashes with both the Red Devils and boss Jose Mourinho down the years. Today he comes up against Moyes, and against no other manager has the Frenchman had more success against down the years. Moyes will therefore love to get one over on Wenger in what could be their last ever coming together.

Eleven league losses this term is the joint-most suffered by Arsenal in a single season under Wenger, equalling 05-06 when finishing fourth - a position supporters would bite your hand off for right now. The Gunners look certain to miss out on the top four in back-to-back seasons and are on course to finish in their lowest top-flight position since coming 12th in 1995.

Arsenal do have the chance to earn a backdoor entry into the Champions League, however, as they have just two more hurdles left to overcome in the Europa League. All focus today is on league matters, with this Wenger's 527th match in charge - the most of any manager in the Premier League's history. Should the Gunners fail to win this London derby, it will mean officially finishing below Tottenham in successive seasons for the first time in 33 years.

DID YOU KNOW? Taking all competitions into account, Arsenal have scored at least three goals in each of their last five home matches - not since October 1958 have they enjoyed a longer run when extending that to six games. The Gunners have also failed to net in just one of their last 31 Premier League games at the Emirates Stadium - a 3-0 loss to Manchester City last month.

Arsene Wenger announced on Friday morning that he is to leave Arsenal at the end of the season. The Frenchman can still end the campaign on a high by winning the Europa League, although anything less and this will be considered arguably the most disappointing of his 22 years at the helm.

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West Ham find themselves 14th in the Premier League, six points above the relegation zone with this game in hand to play. It is a big enough margin for the Hammers to relax slightly heading into this match, but a point or two may still be required between now and the middle of May. Forty points is often what managers of struggling clubs aim for; 35 may still yet prove to be enough.

Carroll's late goal against Stoke on Monday night really was huge for the Hammers, keeping the gap on their opponents to seven points. It also means United have gone three matches without defeat after also beating Southampton and drawing with Chelsea in recent weeks. United are on a positive enough run of form, getting enough points on the board to stave off the threat of relegation.

That is in stark contrast to this time last month when losing three successive matches by a three-goal margin, culminating in a 3-0 home loss at the hands of Burnley in a match now best remembered for fan protests. Credit to Moyes for keeping his side unbeaten since then, with the five points from a possible nine potentially getting them over the line for another season of Premier League football.

That said, West Ham travel to Arsenal today and still welcome Manchester United and Manchester City to the London Stadium, so Moyes is not able to think too far ahead just yet. The form of the teams in the bottom three suggests that United could still lose each of their remaining fixtures and still be safe, but all it takes is a win for Southampton and all of a sudden the picture changes.

United have scored in each of their last nine away matches, which is their joint-longest such run in a single Premier League season alongside 1999-2000, but only three teams - Brighton & Hove Albion, West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City - have worse away form this campaign, taking 12 points from a possible 51. That run includes not a single win against a side above them in the standings.

The Hammers did draw 1-1 with Chelsea last time out on their travels, though, and they also picked up a point in their other two London derbies against Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur. Not since 1983-84 have they dodged defeat in each of their top-flight derbies. Not such good news, however, is that Moyes is winless in 17 away games as a manager versus Arsenal in all competitions, losing 13 of those.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS! Arsenal have lost only one of their last 21 meetings with West Ham United in all competitions, winning 16 of those. The Hammers' last two league wins against today's opponents have both come away from home, though - 2-0 in 2015 and 1-0 in 2007. Their tally of five Prem wins at Arsenal is bettered only by Manchester United (8) and Liverpool (7).

With kickoff at the Emirates Stadium now a little over five minutes away, let us check out some pre-match thoughts from both camps.

Arsene Wenger: "I will come out on [my reasons] a bit later. At the moment, for me, it's important to focus on what matters to people of Arsenal. That means the results of the next games. But not after the game. After the season, maybe."

David Moyes: "It's been an incredible achievement for [Wenger] to be in the job that long - as it was for Sir Alex Ferguson. I thought I did well with 11 years at Everton. Real football people appreciate what he's done. He is a proper football man, he lives and breathes it, he's dedicated to his job and his sport. I'd probably wish it hadn't been announced before this weekend but most people appreciate Arsene and what he has done in football."

Wenger was speaking to Sky Sports a little under an hour ago, giving an indication that he will explain his reasons for leaving Arsenal at a later date. The timing of the announcement has been praised by many, giving supporters of not just the Gunners but also rival clubs - beginning with West Ham - a chance to salute the Frenchman. For now, though, he is unwilling to go into more details.

Moyes is not so happy with the timing of the announcement, meanwhile, as he fears that it will give the Gunners a bit of a bounce. Five wins from five is now the target for Arsenal to see out the campaign, although there is no denying that the Europa League takes priority, with an eye on Thursday's Europa League semi against Atletico. A win today, and some much-needed momentum, could be key.

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KICKOFF! A far fuller Emirates Stadium this afternoon - no coincidence on the back of Arsene Wenger's announcement a couple of days ago. West Ham will attempt to ruin the party atmosphere and boost their survival hopes.

Arsenal well on top early on here, slowly probing away to create an opening. Lacazette, Welbeck, Ramsey and Iwobi tasked with trying to find a way through for the Gunners, with Ramsey looking the most dangerous of that quartet thus far.

Pretty positive start made by the Gunners, without yet creating any openings of any note. West Ham appear content to sit back and soak up the pressure for the time being - they do not have to chase a goal this afternoon.

Arsenal win a corner and send it into a dangerous position, but Declan Rice did well to get his head to the ball. From the next delivery, a header is powered wide of the target. West Ham living a little dangerously at the moment.

A nice attacking move from the visitors but Fernandes, the most advanced of West Ham's players, could not direct the cross past Ospina in the Arsenal goal. Better from the Hammers, who have sat back a little too deep early on.

It was Laurent Koscielny with that header a little earlier that flew wide of Joe Hart's goal. That is the closest we have come to a goal so far, with the Gunners probing away in search of a breakthrough goal.

Great block from Shkodran Mustafi, who went to ground and got between the ball and goal to thwart Marko Arnautovic. West Ham, without a recognised striker once again today, looking lively when they get at the opposition defence.

SAVE! Twice in two minutes Arnautovic has got in behind the Arsenal defence. The Austrian forward had plenty of time to settle himself, too, but the angle was tough and Ospina was always favourite to keep out the game's first on-target attempt.

CLOSE! West Ham win themselves a corner, which Cheikhou Kouyate got his head to and looped it on to the top of the crossbar. Ospina looked a little worried and was happy to see the ball go out for a goal kick, rather than back into play.

West Ham have looked the livelier in an attacking sense thus far. For all of Arsenal's possession they have not done a great deal with the ball, and they have almost conceded through Arnautovic and Kouyate efforts.

Elneny spots Lacazette in the box but the French striker was dispossessed before getting a shot away. At the other end Fernandes did get a shot away, but he should have taken a different option as it was sent high into the stands.

The ball is crying out for Bellerin to strike goalwards and he does exactly that, but he showed the composure of a defender by guiding it high and wide. A frustrating opening quarter to the contest as far as the home side are concerned.

SHOT! Monreal does well down the left-hand side, getting forward and then picking out Welbeck on the edge of the area. The Englishman's shot from 20 yards drifted inches wide of the West Ham goal, with Joe Hart beaten.

A real worry for Arsenal as midfielder Aaron Ramsey had to receive some treatment. A short stoppage in play but the Welshman has now come back onto the field and looks as though he will be able to simply run it off.

Bar that Welbeck effort, which saw the ball end inches wide of the target, Arsenal have offered very little in an attacking sense in the opening half an hour. West Ham, relying on the counter-attack, have looked the better team in that regard.

Moyes will be very happy with the way this contest is panning out with more than a third of it now played. United have had one good attempt on target and came close through another, whereas Arsenal are yet to test Joe Hart.

Danny Welbeck gets a toe to the ball to feed Alexandre Lacazette, who can only thrash it wide. The Frenchman was flagged for offside, but the referee has pulled play back as Welbeck was taken out prior to Lacazette's shot.

SAVE! Granit Xhaka takes on the free kick and gets it on target, only for Joe Hart to keep it out in a fairly routine manner. Moments later, Bellerin's cross from the right was guided over the crossbar by the head of Welbeck.

Good pressure from Arsenal over the last five minutes or so. West Ham are standing firm and are not exactly holding on just yet, but there is definitely a sense that the Gunners are starting to build some momentum as we approach half time.

Not seen a lot from Arnautovic over the past 10 minutes or so following a lively opening half an hour. The Austrian got in behind on a couple of occasions and tested stand-in Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina from one of his chances.

YELLOW CARD! Granit Xhaka with a clumsy challenge on Arthur Masuaku to earn the game's first yellow card. Mohamed Elneny is the latest Arsenal player to go to ground in need of some treatment but, like Ramsey, he should be OK.

ARSENAL SUB! That Mohamed Elneny injury is clearly a lot worse than it first looked as a leg brace has been put on and his afternoon is over. On in his place is Ainsley Maitland-Niles, with no like-for-like replacement available.

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Five minutes have been added on at the end of the first half following the stoppage for Elneny to receive some treatment. The Egyptian midfielder appeared to be in tears as he was stretchered down the tunnel - his season and World Cup dreams may be over.

Great play from Arsenal but, not for the first time, Welbeck elects to go for one pass too many when the shot was on. Instead he went back to Maitland-Niles and the flag was up for offside to the frustration of the home supporters.

Ogbonna sweep the ball wide of the target from a near-post delivery but to the surprise of many referee Lee Mason awarded another corner kick. Thankfully for the officials it came to little as Arsenal were able to clear their lines.

The first half finally comes to an end, with the sides level at 0-0 following a pretty quiet opening 45 minutes. Arsenal saw more of the ball and came close through a Danny Welbeck shot, but it was West Ham United who looked the more dangerous when getting in behind.

Arsenal struggled to turn their possession into chances in the first half and it was West Ham, sticking with Marko Arnautovic as a false nine, who looked the more likely to net in the opening quarter of the match. Arnautovic tested stand-in Arsenal stopper David Ospina - one of five changes for the hosts today - with the angle against him 15 minutes in.

Cheikhou Kouyate then got his head to a near-post delivery and looped the ball on to the top of the crossbar, offering another warning for the lacklustre home side. The Gunners' best opening before the interval fell the way of Danny Welbeck, who guided one edge-of-the-box shot inches wide and sent a diving header over the crossbar.

Arsenal's first attempt on target saw Joe Hart comfortably keep out Granit Xhaka's free kick, shortly before Wenger's men were dealt a blow with the injury loss of Mohamed Elneny - the midfielder leaving the pitch on a stretcher and visibly upset. Ahead of the second half, let us remind ourselves of both sides' remaining substitutes.

ARSENAL SUBS: Macey, Mertesacker, Holding, Chambers, Nelson, Aubameyang

WEST HAM UNITED SUBS: Adrian, Evra, Cullen, Hugill, Lanzini, Carroll, Hernandez

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RESTART! We are back up and running at the Emirates Stadium in a match that has not truly got going yet. No further changes made by Arsene Wenger at the break, while West Ham United remain unchanged for this second half.

Mohamed Elneny is said to have rolled his ankle at the end of the first half, rather than breaking it - he may well be back before the season ends in that case. Ramsey picks out Monreal, whose cross back into the centre is headed clear.

SAVE! Better from Arsenal as they manage to get a shot away on target early in the second half. Welbeck chested the ball down for Nacho Monreal to strike right down the throat of Joe Hart - simple stop in the end.

YELLOW CARD! Pablo Zabaleta goes right through Lacazette to earn a yellow card. It could have been a lot worse, though, as he was the last man and the French striker would have been through on goal - big call from Lee Mason.

He was left in space a few minutes ago but could not find a way past Hart. Nacho Monreal has gone one better from this latest chance, though, volleying the ball past Hart from a corner with a finish that Lacazette and Aubameyang would be proud of.

Arsenal now have a lead to build on, then, as we approach the hour mark of the contest. The Gunners have looked a lot better in the second half and will argue that they deserve their advantage, which Lacazette could not add to as his shot was blocked.

West Ham unable to get out of their own final third at the moment, being pegged right back and looking at serious risk of conceding a second. Moyes will surely turn to his bench shortly to wrest back some control of the match.

Another shot is curled wide of West Ham's goal as the Gunners look to double their advantage. Javier Hernandez has been sent to warm-up so a first change for the Hammers could well be imminent, while Manuel Lanzini is another option.

WEST HAM UNITED SUBS! A double change for the Hammers, as Javier Hernandez and Manuel Lanzini are introduced in place of Fernandes and Joao Mario. Moyes had to spring into action after seeing his side struggle since the restart.

CHANCE! Almost an instant impact from Hernandez, who peeled off his man at the back post but could only direct his header over the crossbar. Ainsley Maitland-Niles was then cautioned for catching his opponent's boot.

Two minutes after volleying a good chance over the bar, Marko Arnautovic more than makes amends by rifling the ball across David Ospina and into the bottom corner. That was a brilliant finish from a player bang in form.

ARSENAL SUB! Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is introduced for the final 20 minutes to the joy of home supporters. Alex Iwobi, who has had minimal impact on the contest, is sacrificed. Wenger has one change available to use.

Ospina comes flying out of goal to punch the ball clear before Arnautovic could get on the end of it. A very balanced match on our hands since Marko Arnautovic's leveller - this one is too tough to call at the moment.

SAVE! United loanee Joe Hart has had his critics of late, but this was a terrific save down to his left - an area he so often struggles. Granit Xhaka's shot was heading in if not for Hart's fingertip stop to push it out for a corner.

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We are now almost into the final 15 minutes of the contest and it remains finely poised. West Ham looking as though they will twist rather than sticking with the point, seeing this as a good chance to pick up a rare win over Arsenal.

YELLOW CARD! Shkodran Mustafi is the latest Arsenal player to be cautioned for his challenge. Arsenal starting to see more of the ball again, with substitute Aubameyang and Lacazette now being used in tandem.

Wave after wave of Arsenal attacks at the moment but very little to show for it. Wenger still has one sub available to use, but he has no game-changing players among his back-ups. Moyes could still turn to Andy Carroll should he wish.

SAVE! This is another brilliant save from Joe Hart to push Danny Welbeck's curler wide of the target. Arsenal closing in on a second goal of the afternoon - now might be a good time for Moyes to bring on Andy Carroll.

This is a disaster for West Ham! Aaron Ramsey's cross was out of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's reach, and Declan Rice decided to duck out of the way of it to the surprise of Joe Hart, with the ball going right through to the back of the net.

So who gets the blame for that one - Hart or Rice? It has to be the latter, as he had a chance to head the ball clear but instead allowed it to go right the way through. The luckiest of goals for Arsenal, who are ahead for the second time today.

Danny Welbeck to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Alexandre Lacazette - goal! Lacazette put his foot through the ball from a slight angle and saw it hit Aaron Cresswell on its way past a wrong-footed Joe Hart. That should be game over.

YELLOW CARD! Maybe a little harsh on Marko Arnautovic, who is cautioned for a shoulder charge on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Calum Chambers is on for Danny Welbeck and Andy Carroll has replaced Arthur Masuaku for the visitors.

Arsenal's quality has managed to shine through in the end as they add a third goal in seven minutes. Alexandre Lacazette doubled his personal tally, taking a touch to create space for the shot and then simply guiding it past Joe Hart.

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The full-time whistle sounds in North London, meaning that Arsenal are not officially out of the race for a top-four spot just yet. Due to Burnley's 1-1 draw with Stoke City elsewhere today, it does mean that they will surely also finish no lower than sixth place this season. Alexandre Lacazette netted twice late on after Aaron Ramsey had restored the Gunners' lead.

That concludes Sports Mole's live text coverage of events from the Emirates Stadium. An on-the-whistle report can be found by clicking here, while reaction will be available elsewhere on the site a little after 4pm. Thanks for joining!