Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger wary of Andy Carroll threat

Arsene Wenger admits that Arsenal will have their work cut out in trying to keep Andy Carroll at bay when they host West Ham on Tuesday.

The Gunners host the east London side at Emirates Stadium looking to return to winning ways and get their bid for a top-four finish back on track.

What is important is that we stop the balls going to him

Arsene Wenger

However, Wenger has warned his side that they will need to be at their best to keep England international Carroll quiet during the game.

“Yes [we must take special care with him] because once the ball is up there, you do not find many people who can compete with him and win the challenge,” said Wenger, whose side are fifth and two points behind fourth-placed Everton.

“So what is important is that we stop the balls going to him. Of that quality, in the air, there are not many [players of that quality].”

West Ham are in 11th place in the table and are almost certain to avoid relegation – but Wenger thinks that will work in the Hammers’ favour.

“West Ham are in a comfortable position, that means they can play without fear, so we know that in these kind of games it’s very important that we have a good focus and a good tempo in our game,” he said.

“When you’re in a semi-final and you win… it releases a little bit of pressure on the team on that front, but we want to bounce back in the Premier League.

“Therefore we want to finish strong, we have a battle with Everton and of course it’s now down to consistency in our final games.”