Ahead of their meeting with Arsenal, West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola has hailed Arsene Wenger’s side as possibly the best team to watch in the world.

The Italian tactician, who is in his first club management job after having a fine playing career with fellow Londoners Chelsea, will pit his managerial acumen against the French tactician Wenger for the first time in Sunday’s Premiership clash at Upton Park.

And with the Gunners having in their ranks creative players like Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott fresh from the destruction of Fenerbahce in the Champions League, Zola believes an attacking game is the only option to counter Wenger’s side.

Zola, whose side have lost to Hull and Bolton going to the Gunners game, said: "They play the best football of any team in this country and possibly in any other country.

"But we will go out and attack them like we always do. There is no point sitting and waiting for them and trying to defend against Arsenal because they will always find a way through.

"They have players like Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott who are wonderful players.

"I really like Walcott. He is a regular in his national side but is only very young. He is very talented.

"You have to admire the way Arsene Wenger manages. He has had a great influence on the game in this country and he is one of the best managers in the world.”