Test of nerves for Arteta's Arsenal as North London Derby awaits
The past 18-24 months have been an enjoyable ride for Arsenal and their fan-base after almost a decade of turbulence. Mikel Arteta has been…
Arsenal versus Chelsea is the biggest rivalry in the city of London, with 18 Premier League titles between the sides, Arsenal dominating the count 13 to five.
But when it comes to recent history, Chelsea have had the upper hand, with the Gunners not winning a league match against the crosstown rivals since October 2011.
Shockingly, January 2013 was the last time when Arsenal scored a Premier League goal against Chelsea. Even during last season’s horror show, Chelsea still beat Arsenal – twice – without conceding a goal.
Still, the Gunners come in as favourites, having won four out of five games in all competitions this season, and losing none. For their part, Chelsea started the season with three consecutive league victories, but have won just one game out of last three – in which they needed extra time to see off Leicester in the League Cup.
Arsenal are expected to dominate possession and create chances, but their big-game mentality is the question as usual. Can their players finally shake the hoodoo?
Team news
Arsene Wenger may continue to play Alexis Sanchez as a centre forward, and while Olivier Giroud is not 100 per cent, a good midweek performance by Lucas Perez may give the boss something to think about. Granit Xhaka, who has scored two top goals in last two games, is also knocking on the door.
For Chelsea, captain John Terry is said to be fit. Chelsea have lacked a creative force in the middle of the park this season, so a sensational display in the League Cup by Cesc Fabregas means he will face his ex-employers.
The London derby will be the test of both sides’ title credentials, and a win will give confidence for a strong title challenge.
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