Anticipation Builds for Arsenal vs Chelsea
After a week of celebrating our latest triumph in the north London derby, we gear up for another thrilling Premier League encounter this Sunday against Chelsea at 4.30pm.
The two teams are no strangers to each other, having faced off in January and February. As we kick off March, this marks our fourth meeting of the season, with Chelsea eager to avenge their losses in both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final. However, to turn the tide, they will need to overcome a challenging trend.
Recent Form: Chelsea’s Struggles
Since their last visit to the Emirates Stadium on February 3, Chelsea has remained unbeaten in their last four matches. However, manager Liam Rosenior will be disappointed with only five points from their last three league outings.
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—have left them clinging to a top-five position by goal difference. Notably, only West Ham United (20) has dropped more points from winning positions than Chelsea’s 19 this season.
On a brighter note, they progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup with a commanding 4-0 win over Hull City, setting up a clash with Wrexham next weekend. In the Champions League, they face the formidable Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16.
Managerial Insights
Arteta: “We understand the significance of this match and the caliber of the team we will face. Our focus is on preparing thoroughly to earn the right to win. As I always emphasize, past performances are irrelevant. Each game presents a unique context, influenced by player changes and team morale, but the stakes are high, and we are ready.”
Rosenior: “I want my players to be as fresh as possible, both physically and mentally. They have shown great form in training this week. We must remain calm and consistent in our approach. This club belongs in the Champions League, and we are in the race. Arsenal is a well-coached team with a strong defensive setup, and it’s our job to identify their weaknesses and enjoy this significant match on Sunday.”
Team News: Who’s In and Who’s Out?
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 two months out.
Wesley Fofana is suspended following a red card in the draw against Burnley, while Estevao is also out due to a hamstring injury. Marc Cucurella and Jamie Gittens are dealing with similar issues.
Backup goalkeeper Filip Jorgenson has been unavailable for a month, and Levi Colwill has missed the entire season with an ACL injury. Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended, but Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo are nearing fitness and could be available soon.
Tactical Approaches
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 usual 4-2-3-1 setup. This formation allows players like Cole Palmer or Enzo Fernandez to rotate between wide and central positions, although it can create an unbalanced shape.
In their last visit, Chelsea enjoyed 55% possession and typically averages 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 known for his speed and directness. 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 a formidable aerial presence.
However, Chelsea has shown vulnerability in defending set pieces in their previous encounters, with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez struggling with in-swinging deliveries. It remains to be seen if Rosenior will leave three players upfield for corners, as he did last month, which could either aid Sanchez or leave space for Arsenal to exploit.
Interesting Stats
- Chelsea is winless in their last eight Premier League matches against Arsenal, their longest streak since a 19-match run 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.
- Since December 2019, Mikel Arteta’s side 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 most 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 overseen Arsenal six times this season, with the Gunners winning five of those matches. This will be his fourth Chelsea game this term, 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 just four weeks ago when a late Havertz goal secured our place in the Carabao Cup final.
Before that, Chelsea suffered a heavy defeat, losing 5-0, with White scoring twice and Havertz adding two more goals.
Live Coverage
Join us for Live From N5 this Sunday, starting an hour before kick-off. Nicole Holliday and Jeremie Aliadiere will host the pre-match show, featuring community interactions and highlights from our women’s squad.
Live commentary will be provided by Dan Roebuck and Adrian Clarke, so tune in via the app and website to catch all the action!
Check your local listings for the broadcaster showing the match live.
