After capitulating so miserably against Manchester United on Sunday, it’s bounce-back time for Arsenal as they look to show the league, and themselves, that they are title contenders.
Next stop is Stamford Bridge for Wengers’ men and they are seriously going to have to do some re-jigging if they are to leave West London with anything. Deserved table toppers Chelsea may not be so effective in the counter attack as Manchester United, but they more than make up for it with muscle and determination in midfield.
Joe Cole, Lampard and Ballack will give the likes of Song and Fabregas a tough ride in the centre of the park, and it looks to be a fierce contest. No Essien for Chelsea means a ray of hope for the Gunners, but I can still see the midfield being outmuscled once again.
Didier Drogba has already figured against Hull since returning from the African Cup of Nations-scoring a sublime free-kick, and will be looking to add to his goal tally against the Gunners this season.
Drogba fired an impressive brace at the Emirates Stadium in which Chelsea strolled to a 0-3 victory. Considering Arsenal were 11 points behind the leaders after that miserable defeat, they have done very well in cutting it to 6 points. Recent slip ups from Chelsea against the likes of Birmingham and Hull have reminded everybody that the league is still very much up for grabs.
But where Chelsea look so prominent in attack and midfield, an intriguing sub plot could transpire. Manager Carlo Ancelloti has defended John Terry in his recent revelations about his not so private life and has granted him time off if he wants it.
Could Terry baulk at the prospect of having to face Arsenal with all the media coverage mulling around in his mind? Will his recent stripping of the England captaincy have knocked his confidence?
It’s fair to say that Arsenal will look to exploit the set piece when they take on Chelsea this Sunday… after all, of the 20 goals Chelsea have conceded this season, an astonishing 15 have been from set pieces.
The trouble is that Arsenal are a team of absolute midgets. Arshavin, Walcott, Eduardo and Nasri are not players that are going to cause any aerial problems when a free-kick or corner is whipped in.
The Gunners’ fans have got to pray that Nicklas Bendtner has the game of his life and that Arsenal can seriously addresses defensive Chelsea frailties.
Lagging six points behind the Premier League leaders, Arsenal have got to push on and win at Stamford Bridge if they want to end five years of hurt.
