Ward-Prowse statement ahead of Arsenal derby.

James Ward-Prowse expresses his anticipation for West Ham United’s upcoming Premier League encounter against Arsenal at London Stadium, highlighting the significance of their recent success against the Gunners. West Ham enters this weekend’s derby buoyed by two consecutive victories over Arsenal. In November, David Moyes’ side triumphed 3-1 against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup fourth round on home turf, followed by a notable 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium in late December during league play.

With the prospect of securing a third consecutive win against Mikel Arteta’s team on Sunday, Ward-Prowse underscores the competitive edge of the upcoming fixture. He acknowledges that Arsenal will be motivated to retaliate following their recent defeats to West Ham. Ward-Prowse emphasizes the evolving dynamics of each encounter, recognizing that lessons are learned by both teams from previous matches.

“While we can draw insights from our previous victory at the Emirates Stadium, we understand that each game presents unique challenges,” Ward-Prowse remarked. “Arsenal will undoubtedly be determined to bounce back, adding further excitement to the upcoming clash. As hosts, we eagerly anticipate the challenge and the opportunity to continue our positive momentum.”

You can take things from that game at the Emirates Stadium, but we also know that this game is going to be totally different.

Ward-Prowse and his teammates experienced the end of a six-game undefeated streak in the Premier League in their recent match, suffering a 3-0 loss against Manchester United on the road. Despite a commendable performance, the Hammers couldn’t secure a favorable result at Old Trafford.

Reflecting on the defeat, Ward-Prowse acknowledges the disappointment of the outcome. While the team displayed positive aspects in their gameplay, including possession and chances created, the ultimate result fell short of expectations. Ward-Prowse emphasizes the need to rectify their performance as they look forward to their upcoming fixture at London Stadium.

“While the 3-0 loss is disappointing, I believe there were positive elements in our play. However, it’s crucial to recognize that the result didn’t reflect our efforts. As footballers, we understand the opportunity for redemption lies in the next match. We aim to learn from our mistakes and ensure we don’t repeat them,” Ward-Prowse commented.

Since February 2023, Ward-Prowse has remained on 17 direct free-kick goals in the Premier League, teetering on the verge of matching David Beckham’s legendary record in the competition. At 29 years old, Ward-Prowse openly acknowledges his aspirations to surpass his idol’s achievement but remains unperturbed by the pressure, confident that the opportunity will arise at the right moment.

“I’ve had moments where I’ve envisioned equaling the record, especially during the last ten or so free-kicks I’ve taken,” Ward-Prowse disclosed. “However, they haven’t quite materialized into goals. It’s part of the game; you can’t convert every chance. Instead of dwelling on missed opportunities, I choose to stay focused on practicing and staying prepared for the next opportunity.”

With time still on his side, Ward-Prowse remains steadfast in his commitment to performing well and contributing to his team’s success. His primary focus remains on delivering his best for the collective, trusting that consistent dedication will ultimately lead to achieving the coveted record.