View Poll Results: Who will win this
Arsenal
3
21.43%
Chelsea
11
78.57%
tie
0
0%
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Premier League Preview: Chelsea - Arsenal
#1
02-06-2010, 05:13 PM
Premier League Preview: Chelsea - Arsenal
Much more than local pride at stake in London this Sunday...
s recently as 20 January, Arsenal beat Bolton Wanderers for the second time in four days to go top of the Premier League - and already it seems a lifetime ago. The Gunners now find themselves in third place, six points behind Sunday's hosts Chelsea, out of the FA Cup and - on the evidence of their last outing - out of ideas when it comes to matching the two teams above them.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was able to revel in the Red Devils' comprehensive victory over Arsene Wenger's side at the Emirates a week ago, then express the hope that the Gunners would recover sufficiently to 'batter' Chelsea this weekend at Stamford Bridge. An Arsenal win would certainly be welcomed by United as they stalk the Blues with growing menace for pole position, but an awful lot will have to change about Arsenal's performance if they are to give a team of Chelsea's physical stature, all-round strength and self-belief anything remotely resembling a battering
Indeed, the last three meetings between Chelsea and Arsenal have underlined the current superiority of the boys in blue. They seem to hold a significant psychological edge over the Gunners - an advantage encapsulated in the powerful predator that is Didier Drogba. The Ivorian has so often been Arsenal's nemesis since he arrived in West London from the south of France, that you wonder whether the Gunners' defenders are cowed, mentally, before they even attempt a challenge.
In Wayne Rooney, United's attack possesses a similarly domineering presence - which throws one of Wenger's biggest problems into sharp relief: for all its touch, technique and nimble artistry, the Arsenal squad lacks anyone with the raw power to impose himself on defenders in the way that Drogba and Rooney routinely do. And the transfer window is now closed.
Worryingly, that's one of several weaknesses ruthlessly exposed in the last fortnight or so. Manuel Almunia is keeping goal with no obvious authority, neither possessing confidence nor inspiring it in his defenders. And midfielders like Denilson have been bypassed too easily. Since Robin van Persie was ruled out, the Gunners have relied heavily on midfielders, notably Cesc Fabregas, for goals. The strategy has looked decidedly limited over the last three games. One draw, two defeats and a mere two goals in that spell is in meagre contrast to the seven wins, two draws and 23 goals in the nine games that preceded it.
It is also in stark contrast to Chelsea's run of 12 games without defeat, including six wins in their last seven. Oddly, the one they didn't win was on Tuesday, away to Hull City, when John Terry's discomfort was as apparent as Boaz Myhill's defiance.
Since then Terry has lost the England captaincy, though whether that will have any bearing on Arsenal's ability to beat the Blues on Sunday is unclear. Chelsea are likely to close ranks around their wayward skipper, which could actually make things tougher for the Gunners. He will get a ribald reception from the travelling Gooners, but can the physically unprepossessing Andrey Arshavin or the aerial but too often airy Nicklas Bendtner put him off his stride?
Chelsea, of course, see this game as the perfect opportunity to kill off the threat from Arsenal. A second victory of the season over the Gunners - whom they swept aside 3-0 with brutal efficiency last November - would put Carlo Ancelotti's men nine points clear of the Wenger boys, and also preserve at least a two-point lead over Manchester United.
And the mood at Stamford Bridge is bullish: they expect to win.
Conversely, if Arsenal have spent the week since their defeat by Rooney & co convincing themselves they are good enough, and flexible enough, to bounce back - and if they have been practising in earnest how to repel muscular marauders like Drogba and teasing balls delivered into their box - then maybe they can get back into contention. A win at the Bridge - where they came from behind to triumph 2-1 last season, albeit with a brace from the now hobbled Van Persie - would take them back to within three points of the Blues, do wonders for their self-belief, and raise a cheer in Manchester.
Arsenal should be aware of, and have a plan to exploit, Chelsea's apparent frailties from set-pieces. They should try not to dwell on the fact that they've only won two of their last 15 competitive games against the Blues. Although Chelsea are unbeaten in 23 successive home league matches, the Gunners should also bear in mind that they were the last visiting team to take all three points from the Bridge. And that Wenger's 300th Premier League victory would be all the sweeter for being secured against the leaders.
FORM GUIDE
Chelsea
02 Feb (Premier League) v Hull City (A) DREW 1-1
30 Jan (Premier League) v Burnley (A) WON 2-1
27 Jan (Premier League) v Birmingham (H) WON 3-0
23 Jan (FA Cup) v Preston (A) WON 2-0
16 Jan (Premier League) v Sunderland (H) WON 7-2
03 Jan (FA Cup) v Watford (H) WON 5-0
Arsenal
31 Jan (Premier League) v Man Utd (H) LOST 1-3
27 Jan (Premier League) v Aston Villa (A) DREW 0-0
24 Jan (FA Cup) v Stoke City (A) LOST 1-3
20 Jan (Premier League) v Bolton Wanderers (H) WON 4-2
17 Jan (Premier League) v Bolton Wanderers (A) WON 2-0
09 Jan (Premier League) v Everton (H) DREW 2-2
TEAM NEWS
Chelsea
Defender Ashley Cole has recovered from an ankle injury and is set to start against his former club, which should ensure a lively atmosphere.
Juliano Belletti is still out with a calf injury, while Michael Essien and Jose Bosingwa remain long-term absentees.
Last starting XI (v Hull): Cech, Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry, Lampard, Ballack (J Cole 71), Malouda, Zhirkov (A Cole 81), Deco, Drogba, Anelka (Sturridge 81). Subs not used: Turnbull, Ferreira, Alex, Kalou.
Arsenal
Abou Diaby may have recovered from a calf injury in time to rejoin the squad. Wenger will hope the leggy midfielder is available; if he is, he may start at the expense of Denilson.
Sol Campbell is available after a minor groin strain and Theo Walcott is in contention; but Eduardo is definitely out with a hamstring problem, while Carlos Vela (knee) and Fran Merida (ankle) are also unavailable.
Johan Djourou (knee), Robin van Persie (ankle) and Kieran Gibbs (foot) are long-term casualties.
Last starting XI (v Man Utd): Almunia, Sagna (Eboue 72), Vermaelen, Gallas, Clichy, Fabregas, Rosicky (Bendtner 72), Nasri, Denilson (Walcott 61), Song, Arshavin. Subs not used: Fabianski, Silvestre, Traore, Ramsey.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Chelsea
Didier Drogba marked his return from the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola with a goal from a free kick (and a yellow card) when he was selected to face Hull City in midweek. And he is certain to feel fully acclimatised when he faces Arsenal on Sunday: the Ivory Coast's talisman has scored 10 goals in his last nine matches against the Gunners in all competitions.
Although Drogba won't be taking on Philippe Senderos - the defender whose hitherto promising career he single-handedly unhinged - he managed to make even Thomas Vermaelen look nervous when the Blues won 3-0 at the Emirates in November. He will expect to get at least one goal to add to his current tally of 20 (15 in the league); can Arsenal stop him?
Arsenal
While the siren calls from Barcelona may have sounded more tempting than usual this week to Cesc Fabregas; and while Andrey Arshavin has revealed his frustration at being deployed as a target man during Arsenal's striker shortage, perhaps the key man for the Gunners on Sunday will be midfielder Abou Diaby - assuming he is fit in time to play.
He was in impressive form until suffering an injury in the 4-2 win over Bolton, and he gives the team a balance and dimension they were glaringly without against Manchester United. Diaby has scored six goals so far this term - his best return yet as a Gunner, and can also offer more of a physical presence than the other midfielders in Wenger's squad.
PREDICTION
Previous Arsenal manager George Graham has advised the present incumbent to adopt a more pragmatic, less idealistic approach to Premier League battles, but whether Le Prof will heed that call is debatable. However, he will certainly need his team to offer something more - and different - if they are to get much joy against Chelsea.
The Blues, notwithstanding the Terry saga, are in good shape at the moment and supremely confident at home. Arsenal need to upset the odds, something the Premier League as a whole would probably welcome in terms of the title race. Achieving that will be a stern test of their character, resolve and ambition as much as their skill; on current evidence a home win seems more likely.
Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal
s recently as 20 January, Arsenal beat Bolton Wanderers for the second time in four days to go top of the Premier League - and already it seems a lifetime ago. The Gunners now find themselves in third place, six points behind Sunday's hosts Chelsea, out of the FA Cup and - on the evidence of their last outing - out of ideas when it comes to matching the two teams above them.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was able to revel in the Red Devils' comprehensive victory over Arsene Wenger's side at the Emirates a week ago, then express the hope that the Gunners would recover sufficiently to 'batter' Chelsea this weekend at Stamford Bridge. An Arsenal win would certainly be welcomed by United as they stalk the Blues with growing menace for pole position, but an awful lot will have to change about Arsenal's performance if they are to give a team of Chelsea's physical stature, all-round strength and self-belief anything remotely resembling a battering
Indeed, the last three meetings between Chelsea and Arsenal have underlined the current superiority of the boys in blue. They seem to hold a significant psychological edge over the Gunners - an advantage encapsulated in the powerful predator that is Didier Drogba. The Ivorian has so often been Arsenal's nemesis since he arrived in West London from the south of France, that you wonder whether the Gunners' defenders are cowed, mentally, before they even attempt a challenge.
In Wayne Rooney, United's attack possesses a similarly domineering presence - which throws one of Wenger's biggest problems into sharp relief: for all its touch, technique and nimble artistry, the Arsenal squad lacks anyone with the raw power to impose himself on defenders in the way that Drogba and Rooney routinely do. And the transfer window is now closed.
Worryingly, that's one of several weaknesses ruthlessly exposed in the last fortnight or so. Manuel Almunia is keeping goal with no obvious authority, neither possessing confidence nor inspiring it in his defenders. And midfielders like Denilson have been bypassed too easily. Since Robin van Persie was ruled out, the Gunners have relied heavily on midfielders, notably Cesc Fabregas, for goals. The strategy has looked decidedly limited over the last three games. One draw, two defeats and a mere two goals in that spell is in meagre contrast to the seven wins, two draws and 23 goals in the nine games that preceded it.
It is also in stark contrast to Chelsea's run of 12 games without defeat, including six wins in their last seven. Oddly, the one they didn't win was on Tuesday, away to Hull City, when John Terry's discomfort was as apparent as Boaz Myhill's defiance.
Since then Terry has lost the England captaincy, though whether that will have any bearing on Arsenal's ability to beat the Blues on Sunday is unclear. Chelsea are likely to close ranks around their wayward skipper, which could actually make things tougher for the Gunners. He will get a ribald reception from the travelling Gooners, but can the physically unprepossessing Andrey Arshavin or the aerial but too often airy Nicklas Bendtner put him off his stride?
Chelsea, of course, see this game as the perfect opportunity to kill off the threat from Arsenal. A second victory of the season over the Gunners - whom they swept aside 3-0 with brutal efficiency last November - would put Carlo Ancelotti's men nine points clear of the Wenger boys, and also preserve at least a two-point lead over Manchester United.
And the mood at Stamford Bridge is bullish: they expect to win.
Conversely, if Arsenal have spent the week since their defeat by Rooney & co convincing themselves they are good enough, and flexible enough, to bounce back - and if they have been practising in earnest how to repel muscular marauders like Drogba and teasing balls delivered into their box - then maybe they can get back into contention. A win at the Bridge - where they came from behind to triumph 2-1 last season, albeit with a brace from the now hobbled Van Persie - would take them back to within three points of the Blues, do wonders for their self-belief, and raise a cheer in Manchester.
Arsenal should be aware of, and have a plan to exploit, Chelsea's apparent frailties from set-pieces. They should try not to dwell on the fact that they've only won two of their last 15 competitive games against the Blues. Although Chelsea are unbeaten in 23 successive home league matches, the Gunners should also bear in mind that they were the last visiting team to take all three points from the Bridge. And that Wenger's 300th Premier League victory would be all the sweeter for being secured against the leaders.
FORM GUIDE
Chelsea
02 Feb (Premier League) v Hull City (A) DREW 1-1
30 Jan (Premier League) v Burnley (A) WON 2-1
27 Jan (Premier League) v Birmingham (H) WON 3-0
23 Jan (FA Cup) v Preston (A) WON 2-0
16 Jan (Premier League) v Sunderland (H) WON 7-2
03 Jan (FA Cup) v Watford (H) WON 5-0
Arsenal
31 Jan (Premier League) v Man Utd (H) LOST 1-3
27 Jan (Premier League) v Aston Villa (A) DREW 0-0
24 Jan (FA Cup) v Stoke City (A) LOST 1-3
20 Jan (Premier League) v Bolton Wanderers (H) WON 4-2
17 Jan (Premier League) v Bolton Wanderers (A) WON 2-0
09 Jan (Premier League) v Everton (H) DREW 2-2
TEAM NEWS
Chelsea
Defender Ashley Cole has recovered from an ankle injury and is set to start against his former club, which should ensure a lively atmosphere.
Juliano Belletti is still out with a calf injury, while Michael Essien and Jose Bosingwa remain long-term absentees.
Last starting XI (v Hull): Cech, Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry, Lampard, Ballack (J Cole 71), Malouda, Zhirkov (A Cole 81), Deco, Drogba, Anelka (Sturridge 81). Subs not used: Turnbull, Ferreira, Alex, Kalou.
Arsenal
Abou Diaby may have recovered from a calf injury in time to rejoin the squad. Wenger will hope the leggy midfielder is available; if he is, he may start at the expense of Denilson.
Sol Campbell is available after a minor groin strain and Theo Walcott is in contention; but Eduardo is definitely out with a hamstring problem, while Carlos Vela (knee) and Fran Merida (ankle) are also unavailable.
Johan Djourou (knee), Robin van Persie (ankle) and Kieran Gibbs (foot) are long-term casualties.
Last starting XI (v Man Utd): Almunia, Sagna (Eboue 72), Vermaelen, Gallas, Clichy, Fabregas, Rosicky (Bendtner 72), Nasri, Denilson (Walcott 61), Song, Arshavin. Subs not used: Fabianski, Silvestre, Traore, Ramsey.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Chelsea
Didier Drogba marked his return from the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola with a goal from a free kick (and a yellow card) when he was selected to face Hull City in midweek. And he is certain to feel fully acclimatised when he faces Arsenal on Sunday: the Ivory Coast's talisman has scored 10 goals in his last nine matches against the Gunners in all competitions.
Although Drogba won't be taking on Philippe Senderos - the defender whose hitherto promising career he single-handedly unhinged - he managed to make even Thomas Vermaelen look nervous when the Blues won 3-0 at the Emirates in November. He will expect to get at least one goal to add to his current tally of 20 (15 in the league); can Arsenal stop him?
Arsenal
While the siren calls from Barcelona may have sounded more tempting than usual this week to Cesc Fabregas; and while Andrey Arshavin has revealed his frustration at being deployed as a target man during Arsenal's striker shortage, perhaps the key man for the Gunners on Sunday will be midfielder Abou Diaby - assuming he is fit in time to play.
He was in impressive form until suffering an injury in the 4-2 win over Bolton, and he gives the team a balance and dimension they were glaringly without against Manchester United. Diaby has scored six goals so far this term - his best return yet as a Gunner, and can also offer more of a physical presence than the other midfielders in Wenger's squad.
PREDICTION
Previous Arsenal manager George Graham has advised the present incumbent to adopt a more pragmatic, less idealistic approach to Premier League battles, but whether Le Prof will heed that call is debatable. However, he will certainly need his team to offer something more - and different - if they are to get much joy against Chelsea.
The Blues, notwithstanding the Terry saga, are in good shape at the moment and supremely confident at home. Arsenal need to upset the odds, something the Premier League as a whole would probably welcome in terms of the title race. Achieving that will be a stern test of their character, resolve and ambition as much as their skill; on current evidence a home win seems more likely.
Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal
By Graham Lister
Goal.com
Go Arsenal
#6
02-06-2010, 06:59 PM
Josh i hate to remind you of last year when you went with your uncle or a friend i dont remember.. but the blues pretty much lost 
#7
02-06-2010, 09:37 PM
I'm worried about this game. With all the BS lately about Terry and this being such an important match, I just have a feeling this could be a turning point for the season.
Who knows, maybe we will have somthing to prove, but I just have a bad feeling.
Who knows, maybe we will have somthing to prove, but I just have a bad feeling.
#8
02-07-2010, 04:40 AM
"George Graham has advised the present incumbent to adopt a more pragmatic, less idealistic approach to Premier League battles"
That's the key if Wenger learns from their last encounter with Chelsea this season and adopts tactics that suit this game in particular the Gunners might cause an upset at the bridge considering what effect the JT saga will have over team unity and morale over at Chelsea. Having said that though I doubt that Wenger will adopt a pragmatic approach and Chelsea seem like heavy favorites to win the match.
That's the key if Wenger learns from their last encounter with Chelsea this season and adopts tactics that suit this game in particular the Gunners might cause an upset at the bridge considering what effect the JT saga will have over team unity and morale over at Chelsea. Having said that though I doubt that Wenger will adopt a pragmatic approach and Chelsea seem like heavy favorites to win the match.
