Exciting Times Ahead
After enjoying a week to celebrate our recent victory in the north London derby, we gear up for another thrilling Premier League encounter on Sunday against Chelsea at 4.30pm.
Familiar Foes
The two teams are no strangers to each other, having already clashed in January and February. As we step into March, this marks our fourth meeting this season, with the Blues 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 our last 10 encounters across all competitions against Chelsea, who have struggled during their visits to N5 in recent years. In fact, they have returned home empty-handed from seven of their last nine matches at the Emirates Stadium, including the last four.
Blues Struggling to Secure Points
Since their last trip to the Emirates on February 3, Chelsea has remained unbeaten in their four subsequent matches. However, manager Liam Rosenior will be disappointed with only five points from their last three league games.
After a victory against Crystal Palace in January, they managed a 3-1 win at Wolves, but home draws against Leeds United and Burnley—where they squandered leads in both—have left them clinging to a top-five position solely on goal difference. 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 Rosenior’s former team, Hull City, setting up a match against Wrexham next weekend. In the Champions League, they face the formidable holders, Paris Saint-Germain, in the last 16.
Voices from the Dugout
Arteta: “We understand the significance of this match and the quality of the team we will face. Our focus is on preparing thoroughly to earn the right to win. Past performances are irrelevant; each game presents its own unique context. 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 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 are a well-coached team with a solid defensive structure, and it’s our job to find their weaknesses and enjoy this significant match on Sunday.”
Injury Updates
Ben White missed the recent match against Tottenham 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 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 facing similar issues. Backup goalkeeper Filip Jorgenson has been unavailable for a month, and Levi Colwill has missed the entire season due to an ACL injury. Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended, but Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo are nearing a return to fitness.
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 preferred 4-2-3-1 setup. This formation allows Cole Palmer or Enzo Fernandez to alternate between wide and central roles, although it can create a lopsided 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 wings.
Currently, no team boasts a higher expected goals (xG) than Chelsea. Fernandez’s late runs into the box pose a significant threat, while Pedro Neto is known for his speed and directness on the flanks. Palmer’s left foot is a constant 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 three meetings, with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez appearing uncertain when dealing with in-swinging deliveries. Will Rosenior opt to leave three players upfield for corners, as he did last month? This could help Sanchez but may also leave space for Arsenal players to attack the ball.
Statistics to Note
- Chelsea is winless in their last eight Premier League matches against Arsenal, marking their longest drought since a 19-match stretch between 1995 and 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, 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 1-0 defeat to West Ham last February.
- Chelsea has received six red cards in the Premier League this season, the highest in the league and matching their 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 this match, having refereed Arsenal eight times previously, with the Gunners winning six of those encounters. This will be his fourth Chelsea match 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 goal from Havertz secured a 4-2 aggregate win in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. Nearly a year ago, Merino was the hero with a solitary goal that clinched another narrow victory.
Prior to that, Chelsea faced a heavy defeat, losing 5-0, with White scoring twice and Havertz netting another pair after Trossard opened the scoring.
Live Coverage
Join us for Live From N5 this Sunday, starting an hour before kick-off, featuring Nicole Holliday and Jeremie Aliadiere in the studio. Engage with our Reddit community, relive Arsenal’s historic goals, and learn about the club’s community initiatives alongside adidas as part of the No More Red campaign.
Live commentary will be provided by Dan Roebuck and Adrian Clarke, so make sure to tune in via the app and website to catch all the action!