Open Extended Reactions
Arsenal will face Chelsea in another crucial London derby at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, following their recent victory in the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
Mikel Arteta’s team rebounded from discussions about a potential title ‘wobble’ with an impressive 4-1 win against Spurs in Igor Tudor’s debut match. By the time Arsenal takes the field, they could see their lead over Manchester City reduced to just two points, making a favorable result against Chelsea even more critical.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior lamented that his team ‘set fire to four points’ after relinquishing leads against Leeds and Burnley in their last outings. Consequently, Chelsea has fallen behind Manchester United into fifth place, and they not only seek to disrupt Arsenal’s title aspirations but also require points in their pursuit of UEFA Champions League qualification.
The last encounter between the two sides took place during the Carabao Cup semifinal, where Arsenal triumphed 4-2 on aggregate after two tightly contested matches.
How to watch:
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League in the UK, NBC/Peacock in the U.S., JioHotstar in India, and Stan Sport in Australia. Live updates will also be available via ESPN.
Key Details:
- Kick-off time: Sunday, March 1 at 4:30 p.m. GMT (11:30 a.m. ET; 10 p.m. IST; 2:30 a.m. AEST, Monday).
- Venue: Emirates Stadium, London.
- Referee: Darren England
- VAR: John Brooks
Injury and Team News:
Arsenal:
- Max Dowman, M: OUT, ankle, estimated return early March
- Mikel Merino, M: OUT, foot, estimated return late May
- Ben White, D: DOUBT, knock
- Kai Havertz, F: DOUBT, muscle
Chelsea:
- Reece James, D: knock, DOUBT
- Jamie Gittens, F: muscle, OUT, estimated return late March
- Romeo Lavia, M: thigh, DOUBT, back in training
- Dário Essugo, M: muscle, DOUBT, back in training
- Marc Cucurella, D: hamstring, OUT, estimated return mid March
- Levi Colwill, D: ACL, OUT, estimated return late April
- Mykhailo Mudryk, F: suspended, OUT
- Wesley Fofana, D: suspended, OUT
- Filip Jørgensen, GK: knock, DOUBT
- Estêvão, F: knock, DOUBT
Talking Points:
Are Arsenal back on track in the title race?
Following their 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal has increased their lead over Manchester City to five points. The nature of their performance has quelled concerns regarding a potential slip in the title race.
Arsenal displayed a markedly different approach compared to their previous matches, maintaining pressure on their opponents instead of retreating into a defensive shell. This shift in strategy could be crucial as they head into the final stretch of the season.
How will Liam Rosenior set up tactically?
Criticism was directed at Liam Rosenior for his tactics during the second leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal against Arsenal, where a defensive setup was employed despite the need for a goal. This time, he may need to adopt a more balanced approach, especially given Chelsea’s attacking potential.
With injuries and suspensions impacting player availability, Rosenior’s tactical decisions will be pivotal. Chelsea has been underperforming despite generating the highest expected goals (xG) in the league.
Viktor Gyökeres faces a test of his momentum
Viktor Gyökeres has been a standout performer for Arsenal, scoring 15 goals this season. His recent form has been impressive, but he will face tougher defensive opposition against Chelsea.
Arteta may consider starting Gyökeres due to his current form, although potential returns for other forwards could influence the decision.
Chelsea’s discipline and composure in the spotlight ahead of tough fixtures
Chelsea has struggled with maintaining discipline this season, having dropped numerous points from winning positions. The young squad’s inexperience and a high number of red cards have contributed to their challenges.
As they prepare for a demanding schedule, maintaining composure against Arsenal will be crucial for Chelsea’s morale and season trajectory.
Arsenal hold the upper hand in recent history
Mikel Arteta has achieved notable success against Chelsea, with only two losses in sixteen matches. Arsenal has remained unbeaten against Chelsea in their last eight encounters, marking their strongest run against the club in nearly two decades.
While Chelsea will aim to break this streak, they must elevate their performance to secure a much-needed victory.