Match Preview
After a week of celebrating our recent victory in the north London derby, we are set to resume Premier League action on Sunday with a crucial encounter against Chelsea at 4:30 PM.
The two teams are familiar foes, having met in January and February, and they will face off for the fourth time this season as Chelsea looks to avenge their losses in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. However, to achieve this, they will need to alter their current form.
We remain unbeaten in our last ten encounters across all competitions against Chelsea, who have struggled during their visits to N5 in recent years. The Blues have left the Emirates empty-handed in seven of their last nine matches here, including the last four.
Blues Struggling with Dropped Points
Since their last trip to the Emirates on February 3, Chelsea has gone unbeaten in four matches, but manager Liam Rosenior will be disappointed with just five points from their last three league fixtures.
After a victory against Crystal Palace in January, they secured a 3-1 win at Wolves, but 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 has 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 match against Wrexham next weekend. Meanwhile, the Champions League last-16 draw has pitted them against holders Paris Saint-Germain.
Manager 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.”
Rosenior: “I want the players to be physically and mentally prepared. They have shown great form in training. We need to maintain calmness and consistency. This club belongs in the Champions League, and we are in the race. Arsenal is a well-coached team with a solid defensive structure, and it’s our job to identify their weaknesses for this important match on Sunday.”
Team News
Ben White missed the Tottenham match due to a muscle issue, while Kai Havertz has been sidelined for 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 a two-month absence.
Wesley Fofana is suspended following a red card in the draw against Burnley, while Estevao is also out with a hamstring injury. Marc Cucurella and Jamie Gittens are unavailable due to similar issues.
Backup goalkeeper Filip Jorgenson has been absent for a month, Levi Colwill is out for the season with an ACL injury, and Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended. However, Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo are nearing fitness and could be available for selection.
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 setup, which features Cole Palmer or Enzo Fernandez alternating between wide and central positions. This could create a lopsided formation.
Chelsea had a 55% possession share during their last visit and averages 58.7% in the Premier League. They prefer to build from the back through central midfield before quickly switching to the flanks.
Despite having the highest expected goals (xG) in the league, Chelsea has struggled defensively at set pieces, with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez showing uncertainty when dealing with in-swinging deliveries. Will Rosenior leave three players upfield for corners, as he did last month? This could help Sanchez but may leave the box vulnerable to Arsenal’s attackers.
Statistics and Facts
- Chelsea is winless in their last eight Premier League matches against Arsenal, marking their longest winless streak since 1995-2005.
- Arsenal has won 17 of their 21 home games this season, scoring 51 goals and conceding just 12, with three consecutive clean sheets at home.
- 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.
- Chelsea has received six red cards this season, the highest in the league.
- Ebere Eze has scored all six of his goals this season in London derbies.
- Martin Odegaard has been involved in seven goals in his last seven league starts against Chelsea.
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, where they have recorded one win, one draw, and one loss.
Referee: Darren England
Assistants: Scott Ledger, Akil Howson
Fourth Official: Stuart Attwell
VAR: John Brooks
Assistant VAR: Dan Robathan
Previous Encounters
Arsenal has won their last three home league matches against Chelsea, with the last victory coming 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.
In their previous encounter, Chelsea suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat, with White scoring twice and Havertz adding two more goals.
Live Coverage
Live From N5 will return on Sunday, starting an hour before kick-off, featuring Nicole Holliday and Jeremie Aliadiere in the studio. Fans can engage with the community and enjoy live commentary from Dan Roebuck and Adrian Clarke. Broadcast details will be available for viewers worldwide.
