Arsenal are on the brink of something truly special. A hard-fought 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday punched their ticket to the Champions League final for the first time in two decades. Just 24 hours earlier, Manchester City stumbled to a wild 3-3 draw at Everton, leaving the Gunners five points clear at the top of the Premier League table with only three matches left to play.

But standing in their way this Sunday is a familiar foe with a knack for causing heartbreak: West Ham United. For Arsenal, this fixture has become something of a curse in recent title run-ins, and with City lurking, the stakes couldn't be higher.

Historically, Arsenal have dominated this London derby. Across 154 meetings in all competitions, the Gunners have 74 wins to West Ham's 38, with 41 draws. In the Premier League era, the numbers are similarly lopsided: 38 Arsenal victories, 10 for the Hammers, and 11 stalemates. On paper, with relegation-threatened West Ham struggling and games against already-relegated Burnley and Conference League finalists Crystal Palace still to come, Arteta's side should have nothing to fear.

But football isn't played on paper. Over the past three seasons, as Arsenal have chased the title, West Ham have been a persistent thorn in their side. In the 2022-23 campaign, Arsenal recovered from a 1-0 halftime deficit to win 3-1 at home on Boxing Day, but the memory of that comeback is overshadowed by what followed later that season. A run of three consecutive draws—including a frustrating 2-2 at the London Stadium—helped Manchester City claw back and ultimately snatch the title away. That draw at West Ham was perhaps the most galling of all, a result that still haunts Arsenal fans.

Now, with the Premier League trophy within sight and a Champions League final on the horizon, the Gunners must exorcise those demons. Mikel Arteta's side have grown immensely, but the question lingers: will they blow it against West Ham again? For City, hoping for a slip-up, this weekend could be the turning point. For Arsenal, it's a chance to prove that the curse is finally broken.