Arsenal Face Chelsea In Crunch Tie

By Biswarup Roy Choudhury
for Arsenal New Today

Published: February 6, 2010

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Arsenal played out a goalless draw against Aston Villa and lost to Manchester United 1-3 in their last league game. After recovering from an eleven point gap, the defeat against United was a major dent on the title aspirations of the Gunners. They now lie third with 49 points from 24 games, behind United and Chelsea with 56 and 55 points respectively. The game at Stamford Bridge could make or break Arsenal’s season. A defeat would most certainly end their chances this season, as a gap of nine points would be almost impossible to make up. A win on the other hand would work like a tonic and could give that added boost to the team. After the game against Liverpool, Arsenal would have played the likes of United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Villa and Everton twice. A win would not only take them closer to their rivals, it would also enable them to sustain the pressure on them with games left against the relatively weaker teams. Any favourable result in the games between United and Chelsea and Chelsea and Liverpool could strengthen Arsenal’s place.

However, to reach such a scenario, Arsenal must not only avoid a defeat tomorrow, they must win the match. The odds are heavily stacked against them. The Gunners were the last team to beat Chelsea at their home ground, when Robin van Persie scored both goals in the 2-1 victory. Since then Chelsea have remained unbeaten in 23 successive home league matches. Chelsea have the best head-to-head record of the Big Four clubs this season, winning all three league matches without conceding a goal. Arsenal have the worst head-to-head record, losing three of their four matches and conceding nine goals. Didier Drogba, back from the Africa Cup of Nations, has scored 10 goals in his last nine matches against Arsenal in all competitions. The Gunners have only won two of their last 15 competitive games against Chelsea.

In spite of all the statistics, Arsenal can still go ahead and beat their title rivals. The visitors must fight as a team and close down the Chelsea midfielders, deny them time and space to feed Didier Drogba. Above all, they must believe in their own capabilities, because on their day, this team can beat anybody in the world.

Commenting on the same, Manager Arsene Wenger said: “I know this team wants to do well. But because they haven’t won games against Chelsea or Manchester United yet they have made it harder in their head than it really is. When we get close to winning, we play with the hand brake.” Praising the team’s mental toughness, Wenger added, “But I know the team is mentally strong and dedicated. I see them everyday and I wouldn’t defend them if they didn’t have the right attitude. But they do have to find that final part to win the big games. ” “Last year, with the same team, we didn’t really lose big games. Before we went to Manchester United in the Champions League we didn’t lose a game between November and May. This year we have lost them but we have to bounce back quickly and show everyone how strong we are,” he said. Talking about the importance of tomorrow’s encounter, the Frenchman said: “I know how much the players need these kinds of wins to finish the development of the team. When you play at home in a big game you want to win. You end up frustrated because you know it’s not because the players don’t want it. It’s just because they miss the final push.”

Chelsea themselves have not been too strong in recent weeks. After pummeling Birmingham City, the Blues were held to a 1-1 draw by Hull City. They have also demonstrated a vulnerability to set pieces, which Arsenal must look to exploit. They will go into the match without the services of Eduardo and Carlos Vela, while Abou Diaby will face a late fitness test.

Arsenal Face Chelsea In Crunch Tie

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