Arsenal vs Chelsea: A Capital Clash Awaits
After a week to relish our recent north London derby victory, we are set to return to Premier League action on Sunday with another significant encounter against Chelsea at 4.30pm.
The two teams are familiar foes, having met in January and February, and they will kick off March with their fourth encounter of the season. Chelsea will be looking to avenge their defeats in both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final. However, to achieve this, they will need to overturn their recent form.
We remain unbeaten in our last 10 meetings across all competitions against Chelsea, who have struggled in their visits to N5 in recent years. The Blues have left empty-handed in seven of their last nine matches at the Emirates Stadium, including the last four.
Blues Struggling with Dropped Points
Since Chelsea’s last trip to the Emirates on February 3, they have gone unbeaten in four matches. However, manager Liam Rosenior will be dissatisfied with the five points gained from their last three league outings.
After a victory against Crystal Palace in January, they secured a 3-1 win at Wolves, marking back-to-back away victories. Yet, home draws against Leeds United and Burnley, where they squandered leads in both matches, have left them clinging to a top-five position by goal difference. Only West Ham United (20) have dropped more points from winning positions in the Premier League than Chelsea’s 19.
Progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup was achieved with a 4-0 win over Rosenior’s former club, Hull City, setting up a clash with Wrexham next weekend. Additionally, the Champions League last-16 draw has pitted them against holders Paris Saint-Germain.
Managerial Insights
Arteta: “We understand the significance of this match and the quality of the team we will face. Our preparation must be optimal to earn the right to win. Past performances are irrelevant; each game is unique, and we are ready for the challenge.”
Rosenior: “I aim for the players to be physically and mentally prepared. They have shown great form in training. We must maintain calmness and consistency. This club belongs in the Champions League, and we are in the race. Arsenal are a formidable team, and it’s our responsibility to identify their weaknesses and enjoy this crucial match on Sunday.”
Team News
Ben White missed the Tottenham match due to a muscle issue, while Kai Havertz has been sidelined for the last three games with a thigh injury.
Mikel Merino continues to recover from a foot injury, and Max Dowman is working on his fitness with the under-21s after two months out.
Wesley Fofana is suspended following a red card in the draw against Burnley, while Estevao missed that match due to a hamstring injury. He, along with Marc Cucurella and Jamie Gittens, will remain unavailable.
Backup goalkeeper Filip Jorgenson has been out for a month, and Levi Colwill has missed the entire season due to an ACL injury. Mykhailo Mudryk is also suspended, but Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo are nearing fitness.
Tactical Considerations
Adrian Clarke, in the official matchday programme, notes that it will be intriguing to see if Rosenior opts for the 3-5-2 formation used in the Carabao Cup semi-final or sticks with his preferred 4-2-3-1. The latter allows Cole Palmer or Enzo Fernandez to alternate between narrow wide positions and the No.10 role, though this can create an unbalanced shape.
The Blues enjoyed a 55% possession share during their last visit and average 58.7% in the Premier League. They prefer to build from the back through central midfield, drawing opponents in before quickly switching play to the flanks.
Chelsea boasts the highest expected goals (xG) in the league. Fernandez’s late runs into the box pose a threat, while Pedro Neto is quick and direct on the wings. Palmer’s left foot is a danger from anywhere in the final third, and Joao Pedro, with seven goals in his last nine games, is strong in aerial duels.
However, Chelsea has shown vulnerability in defending set pieces in previous encounters, with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez lacking confidence dealing with in-swinging deliveries. Will Rosenior leave three players upfield for corners, as he did last month? This could assist Sanchez but may also leave the box open for Arsenal’s attackers.
Statistics and Facts
- Chelsea is winless in their last eight Premier League matches against Arsenal, marking their longest such streak since a run of 19 from 1995 to 2005.
- Arsenal has won 17 of their 21 home games across all competitions this season, scoring 51 goals and conceding just 12. They have kept three consecutive clean sheets at home, starting with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the League Cup semi-final.
- Since Mikel Arteta’s second game in charge in December 2019, Arsenal has lost only one of 15 matches against Chelsea (W10 D4).
- Arsenal has lost just one of their last 25 Premier League London derbies, a 1-0 defeat to West Ham last February.
- Chelsea has won both of their away Premier League matches under Liam Rosenior. The last English manager to win his first three away Premier League games was Tim Sherwood at Tottenham in 2013/14.
- Chelsea has received six red cards in the Premier League this season, the most of any club and their joint-most in a single season.
- Ebere Eze has scored all six of his goals this season in London derbies, while Viktor Gyokeres has been involved in 10 goals across his last 12 appearances.
- Martin Odegaard has contributed to seven goals in his last seven league starts against Chelsea, with five of those coming in three starts at the Emirates.
Match Officials
Darren England will officiate the match, having refereed Arsenal eight times previously, with the Gunners winning six of those matches. This will be his fourth Chelsea game this season, with the Blues recording one win, one draw, and one loss in his previous encounters.
Previous Encounters with Chelsea
Arsenal has won their last three home league matches against Chelsea, with the last victory coming just four weeks ago when a late Havertz goal secured a 4-2 aggregate win in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. Nearly a year ago, Merino scored the only goal in another narrow victory.
Prior to that, Chelsea suffered a heavy defeat, losing 5-0, with White scoring twice and Havertz adding two more after Trossard opened the scoring.
Live Coverage
Live From N5 returns on Sunday, starting an hour before kick-off with Nicole Holliday and Jeremie Aliadiere in the studio. Fans can engage with the community and enjoy various segments, including a spotlight on the club’s community initiatives.
Live commentary will be provided by Dan Roebuck and Adrian Clarke, and viewers can find out which broadcaster is showing the match live worldwide.
