Exciting Capital Clash Ahead
After a week of celebrating our recent victory in the north London derby, we gear up for another thrilling Premier League showdown on Sunday against Chelsea at 4.30pm.
The two teams are no strangers to each other, having already met in January and February. As we step into March, this marks their fourth encounter of the season, with Chelsea eager to avenge their defeats in both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final. However, to turn the tide, they will need to alter their current form.
We have maintained an unbeaten streak in the last 10 matchups across all competitions against the Blues, who have struggled during their recent visits to N5. In fact, Chelsea has left empty-handed in seven of their last nine matches at the Emirates Stadium, including the last four.
Blues Struggling with Dropped Points
Since their last trip to the Emirates on February 3, Chelsea has managed to stay unbeaten in four games. However, manager Liam Rosenior will be disappointed with only five points from their last three league matches.
After a win against Crystal Palace in January, they secured a 3-1 victory 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. Only West Ham United has dropped more points from winning positions in the league than Chelsea’s 19.
They progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 4-0 win over Rosenior’s former club, Hull City, setting up a match against Wrexham next weekend. Additionally, they will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last 16.
What the Managers Are Saying
Arteta: “We understand the significance of this match and the quality of the team we will face. Our focus is on preparing effectively to earn the right to win. Past performances are irrelevant; every game is unique, and we are ready for the challenge.”
Rosenior: “I want my players to be as fresh as possible, both physically and mentally. They have shown great form in training. We need to remain calm and consistent. Chelsea belongs in the Champions League, and we are in the race. Arsenal is a well-coached team with a solid defensive setup, and it’s our job to find their weaknesses and enjoy this significant 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 is still out with a foot injury, and Max Dowman is working on his fitness with the under-21s after a two-month absence.
- Wesley Fofana is suspended after receiving a red card in the draw against Burnley, while Estevao is also out with a hamstring injury. Marc Cucurella and Jamie Gittens are unavailable for the same reason.
- Backup goalkeeper Filip Jorgenson has been absent for a month, and Levi Colwill has not played this season due to an ACL injury. Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended, but Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo are nearing fitness for selection.
Tactical Insights
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. The latter allows Cole Palmer or Enzo Fernandez to alternate between wide positions and the No.10 role, although this can create an unbalanced shape.
In their last visit, Chelsea had a 55% possession share 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 wings.
Chelsea boasts the highest expected goals (xG) in the league. Fernandez’s late runs into the box are particularly dangerous, while Pedro Neto is quick and direct on the flanks. Palmer’s left foot is a threat from anywhere in the final third, and Joao Pedro is in fine form, scoring seven goals in his last nine games.
However, Chelsea has shown vulnerability in defending set pieces in their previous three encounters, with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez struggling to deal with in-swinging deliveries. Will Rosenior leave three players upfield for corners, as he did last month? This could help Sanchez but may also leave space for Arsenal to exploit.
Facts and Stats
- Chelsea is winless in their last eight Premier League matches against Arsenal, marking their longest streak since a 19-game run between 1995 and 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, his 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, a defeat to West Ham last February.
- Chelsea has received six red cards this season, more than any other club.
- Ebere Eze has scored all six of his goals this season in London derbies, while Viktor Gyokeres has been involved in 10 goals in his last 12 appearances.
- Martin Odegaard has contributed to seven goals in his last seven league starts against Chelsea, with five of those coming at the Emirates.
Match Officials
Darren England will officiate the match, having refereed Arsenal eight times previously, with the Gunners winning six of those. This will be his fourth Chelsea match this season, where they have recorded one win, one draw, and one loss.
Previous Encounters
Arsenal has won their last three home league matches against Chelsea, with the last victory coming in the Carabao Cup semi-final just four weeks ago. Chelsea’s last visit saw them suffer a heavy 5-0 defeat, with White scoring twice.
Live Coverage
Join us for Live From N5 on Sunday, starting an hour before kick-off. Nicole Holliday and Jeremie Aliadiere will be in the studio, with live commentary from Dan Roebuck and Adrian Clarke. Tune in on the app and website for all the action!