Arsenal host Chelsea on Monday, December 27, in a match that could have a big influence on the Gunners’ title bid this season.
Despite sitting in second place after 17 weeks of matches, Arsene Wenger’s side haven’t exactly covered themselves in glory against the top teams, losing to Chelsea, Man United and Tottenham.
Arsenal dominated the first 30 minutes of the match against Chelsea and should have scored twice in the first 100 seconds. And with Drogba putting the Blues ahead minutes before half-time, the Gunners came out firing after the break. And were it not for Alex’s offbeat free-kick for Chelsea, Wenger’s men could still have pushed for an equaliser.
The loss to Chelsea came on October 2, and since then a lot of water has flowed under the proverbial bridge. Circumstances have changed, especially in terms of available in-form players. During their visit to Stamford Bridge in October, the Gunners missed Fabregas, Almunia, Van Persie, Bendtner and Walcott, all sidelined with injury.
While Almunia is not fully recovered from his elbow injury, Wenger will welcome the return of Fabregas, Van Persie and Walcott, and the trio’s presence could make all the difference in confidence for a team that has suffered six consecutive league defeats to Blues.
Another factor that has played against the best interests of the Gunners has been Drogba, who has scored 13 goals in as many games against the Emirates squad. And with Drogba returning to his goal-scoring ways against Tottenham, Wenger’s charges will be paying attention to the omens.
While Arsenal’s attack has been impressive, and their midfield should get a boost with the return of Fabregas, their back line has been cause for concern. With Almunia and Fabianski injured, they also have a problem between the sticks. Their third goalkeeper, Szczesny, who made his Premier League debut against Man United, struggled at the back of a porous defense in which Squillaci was the biggest culprit.
On the plus side, Nasri is in tremendous shape and could make the difference up front. While Arshavin could make way for Van Persie and Wilshere for Fabregas, Arsene Wenger would also want Walcott’s pace against Chelsea’s defense, more stubborn after Terry’s return.
Chelsea have been through a slump of three draws and two losses from games 13 to 17 that has seen them fall from the top of the table to fourth, but there are clear signs of a resurgence. The champions should have claimed their top spot on Matchday 17, had it not been for Drogba’s missed penalty late on.
With Lampard’s return, the Blues will have the midfield strength they need to dominate possession and neutralize Arsenal’s lead. Arsenal’s weak back line should be severely tested by Kalou and Malouda, as well as Drogba.
Arsenal will be relying on home advantage against Chelsea, who have not had a great record in nine away games this season, with three wins, losses and draws. The gunners, meanwhile, have won five of eight home games and lost the rest.
If both sides could field their best eleven, this could go down as the most exciting game in the Premiership yet.
Arsenal featured the following men in their starting eleven against Manchester United: Szczesny, Sagna, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy, Song, Rosicky, Wiulshere, Nasri, Chamakh and Arshavin. Fábregas, Van Persie and Walcott appeared as substitutes.
Chelsea’s starting eleven against Tottenham was made up of: Cech, Ferreira, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Ramires, Mikel, Essien, Kalou, Anelka and Malouda. Droba, Sturridge and Lampard were used as substitutes.