My boys West Ham United play Arsenal today, and although anything can happen, it doesn't look like it's going to be a pretty experience for Hammers' fans.

You only have to look at what they have done to Manchester City and Newcastle United in the past week to see just how good they are. When they are in that type of form there aren't many teams that can beat them.

The contrast between the two sides said everything that you need to know about the two clubs. City have spent a lot of money, but are quickly discovering that doesn't mean immediate success.

Arsenal on the other hand have a team of players who all know their roles, who understand the system they are playing in, and what the manager wants from them. The result, beautiful football that is a joy to watch.

Things might have been different if City youngster Dedryck Boyata hadn't been sent off so early in the game, but it was needless tackle and he had to go.

So where does that leave West Ham?

Although it's a derby, and the game could do either way, I have a feeling that we'll be lucky to get something out of the match. The only chance we have is if we stop them playing that short, flowing passing game that kills teams.

You must play high pressure, if we drop off and let them attack they will cause all sorts of problems and it'll be a long day for the Hammers' defence.

Another player who hase been causing problems in the Premier League in the past couple of weeks is Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez, and he's really started to prove himself.

Having played for a big club in Mexico, in front of huge crowds at the Azteca Stadium, he was never going to be overawed, it just took him a while to settle in.

Happily for United he seems to have found his scoring touch at just the right time, and with Dimitar Berbatov in good form, the Wayne Rooney situation isn't as bad a blow for the club as it might have been.

Away from the Premier League, the Balon d'Or shortlist came out this week, and it's hardly surprising that it's dominated by Spanish players. From Cesc Fabregas to Xavi to Iniesta, it's a testament to their success in the World Cup.

The award goes to the most deserved over the whole year, and although Barcelona didn't win anything, they where the benchmark this year and one of the most successful over the past three or four years when it comes to winning trophies.

But this is overdue because Spain have always had a great team with exceptional players and this year they deserved to win it because they currently play the best football.

In the cases of Rooney and Diego Milito, both of whom some might argue should have made the shortlist, they have paid for their failings at the World Cup.

Yes, Milito won three trophies with Inter Milan and was Player of the Year for the Champions League, and, yes, Rooney scored 40-odd goals for United, but on the biggest stage the pair simply didn't show up.

The award is the pinnacle of any player and hopefully this can spur the two on because Diego Maradona, Pele, and the rest of the greats all did it on the big stage, when it mattered.