Konstantinos Mavropanos believes that the London Stadium does not always lend itself to intimidating atmospheres, but that it may play a factor when West Ham visits Arsenal on Sunday.
The Hammers, predictably, are heavy underdogs entering a Premier League match that is perhaps the most crucial of the season.
A victory for either side at the London Stadium will definitely send shockwaves through the Premier League standings. A victory for the Gunners would secure the title, but a three-point triumph for West Ham would put tremendous pressure on Tottenham in the relegation race.
Many anticipate Arsenal to win comfortably on Sunday, however Mavropanos thinks the home factor might be important.
Mavropanos hails West Ham’s home atmosphere.
Speaking to West Ham’s official website, the imposing Greek defender stated: “With these games, when you truly put forth effort for the fans and give back to them by winning games, you can feel the energy from them, and the ambiance in the London Stadium has been amazing in the last couple of games as well.
“You feel the connection and want to contribute more and more to the squad and the fans since they deserve it.
They’ve been there for us throughout the season and try to assist us from their end as well, so these moments are special.
“Obviously, we are not in a good position right now, but these games [against Manchester City, Wolves, and Everton] can teach us something to carry into the final three games.
“As I stated, playing two games at home, with the first one on Sunday, can be a terrific chance for us to give it our all and make the most of it. “
The fans will be needed on Sunday. The Gunners are riding high, but a hostile environment awaits them.
Clearly, the team’s performance has something to do with it. Nonetheless, regardless of how dissatisfied people are with the direction the club is going in general right now, all of that must be channeled into providing Nuno Espirito Santo’s side with a platform for 90 minutes at the very least.
This season, West Ham United’s home record
The story that the London Stadium is a soulless bowl has been partially disproven this season.
While this does not imply that everything is OK on the ground and that continual criticism is unnecessary, West Ham supporters have been lauded for generating a strong mood at home.
Notably, Manchester United, Manchester City, Bournemouth, Everton, and Sunderland have all failed to win at the stadium in recent months.
In fact, West Ham has not lost a Premier League match at home since early January.
West Ham had a record of five wins, four draws, and eight losses in 17 home games this season.
Mavropanos is right to mention that recent home triumph, since it is most likely the only thing he has to hold onto heading into Sunday.
The London Stadium has not always been kind to the Irons, but by the end of play on Sunday, it might witness a historic and crucial triumph.
Nuno describes how West Ham supporters should feel about Declan Rice.
Because there is so little love lost between West Ham United and Arsenal, any sentimental ideas of Declan Rice winning the game’s greatest awards away from the London Stadium are restricted to only the most pacifistic fans.
Rice offered a heartfelt homage to West Ham after Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final triumph over Atletico Madrid. Without the faith and care of his previous club, the England international confesses, Declan Rice’s achievements would be nothing more than a pipe dream.
However, due to the sport’s tribal spirit, there will most certainly be some jeering for the one-time West Ham United captain when he returns to the London Stadium on Sunday.
Nuno Espirito Santo is eager to deliver a significant setback to Arsenal’s title aspirations while also improving his own chances of survival. As a result, the possibility of watching Rice lift a domestic and European trophy should fill him with pride rather than rage.
Nuno Espirito Santo praises Declan Rice
Ahead of West Ham United’s return
“[Rice is] fantastic, fantastic. Nuno told Sky Sports that Declan is “one of the finest midfielders in the world. ” “He has so much talent, so much energy, physicality, set pieces… He can do anything you can provide within the game.
“So, I believe everyone at West Ham should be pleased of how the team nurtured such a talented and excellent player and presented him to the world.
“In a way, I believe the respect and admiration are there, but on Sunday, Declan will be our opponent. “
This season, Rice has five goals from central midfield, with many of his eleven assists coming from set-pieces.
Set-pieces will be crucial as the Hammers meet Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
Given that Arsenal have scored the most goals in the league with 21, it is natural that Nuno placed special emphasis on set-piece defense during West Ham’s preparations at Rush Green this week.
The Hammers, along with Bournemouth, have the worst defensive record from corners and free-kicks in 2025/26, with 17 goals conceded.
Arsenal are one of the teams that benefits the most from set-pieces, according to Nuno’s press conference on Friday afternoon. “We’ve been working [on defending those]. “
“What we ask of our players is; perform your duties, focus, recognize the significance of those events, and assist one another. “
The only question for Mikel Arteta is who will partner Rice in midfield? Martin Zubimendi stood out in Arsenal’s victory over West Ham in October, but Miles Lewis-Skelly was chosen ahead of him against Atletico.
“[Arsenal] does not have many weaknesses,” Nuno said. “On the ball, off the ball, they are disciplined, organized, and competent.
“It’s difficult because they are very good. They are a very talented team fighting for huge things, achieving huge moments in the Champions League and fighting for the league title. They are tough opponents, but we are at the London Stadium.”
