Match Preview
After a week to reflect on our recent victory in the north London derby, we are set to resume Premier League action this Sunday with a crucial match against Chelsea at 4:30 PM.
The two teams are familiar foes, having met in January and February, and now they face off for the fourth time this season. Chelsea will be eager to avenge their defeats in both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final. However, to achieve this, they will need to overcome a challenging history against us.
We have maintained an unbeaten streak in our last ten encounters across all competitions against Chelsea, who have struggled in their recent visits to the Emirates Stadium. The Blues have left empty-handed in seven of their last nine matches at our home ground, including the last four.
Recent Form
Since their last appearance at the Emirates on February 3, Chelsea has gone unbeaten in four matches. However, manager Liam Rosenior will be disappointed with only five points from their last three league games.
After a victory over Crystal Palace in January, Chelsea secured a 3-1 win at Wolves, but they dropped points in home draws against Leeds United and Burnley, where they squandered leads in both matches. This has left them clinging to a top-five position by goal difference, with only West Ham United having dropped more points from winning positions in the league.
In the FA Cup, Chelsea progressed to the fifth round with a convincing 4-0 win over Hull City, setting up a clash with Wrexham next weekend. In the Champions League, they will face holders Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16.
Manager Insights
In his pre-match press conference, Mikel Arteta emphasized the significance of the upcoming game, stating, “We know the importance of the game, and we know the team we’re going to have in front of us. We just have to prepare in the best way to have the right to win it. Every game and context is different, and we’re prepared.”
Liam Rosenior expressed his desire for his players to be mentally and physically fresh, noting their impressive training this week. He acknowledged Arsenal’s strengths, stating, “They are a very good team and that is why they are in the situation they are in at the moment. It is my job and the players’ job to try to find that weakness and enjoy what is going to be a really big game on Sunday.”
Team News
Ben White missed the last match against Tottenham due to a muscle issue, while Kai Havertz has been sidelined for three games with a thigh injury. Mikel Merino remains out with a foot injury, and Max Dowman is working on his fitness with the under-21s after two months on the sidelines.
Wesley Fofana is suspended following a red card in the draw against Burnley, while Estevao is also unavailable due to a hamstring injury. Marc Cucurella and Jamie Gittens are out with similar issues. 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 is still suspended, but Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo are nearing a return to fitness.
Tactical Analysis
Adrian Clarke, in the official matchday programme, speculated on whether Rosenior would stick with the 3-5-2 formation used in the Carabao Cup semi-final or revert to his usual 4-2-3-1 setup. The Blues have averaged 58.7% possession in the Premier League and prefer to build from the back, drawing opponents in before switching play to the flanks.
Chelsea boasts the highest expected goals (xG) in the league, with players like Fernandez and Joao Pedro posing significant threats. However, they have struggled defensively at set pieces, which could be a crucial factor in this match.
Statistics and Records
- Chelsea has not won 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 only 12.
- Mikel Arteta has lost just one of his last 15 matches against Chelsea since his second game in charge in December 2019.
- Chelsea has received six red cards this season, the most in the Premier League.
- Viktor Gyokeres has been involved in 10 goals in his last 12 appearances, while Martin Odegaard has contributed to seven goals in his last seven league starts against Chelsea.
Match Officials
Darren England will officiate the match, having overseen eight games involving Arsenal, with the Gunners winning six. This will be his fourth Chelsea match this season, with the Blues recording one win, one draw, and one loss under his supervision.
Previous Encounters
Arsenal has won their last three home league matches against Chelsea, with the last victory being a 4-2 aggregate win in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. The previous encounter saw Arsenal secure a dominant 5-0 win, showcasing their attacking prowess.
Live Coverage
Fans can tune in to “Live From N5” an hour before kick-off for pre-match insights and commentary. The match will also be available for viewing on various broadcasters worldwide.
