Arsenal host Chelsea looking to extend impressive London derby record
Arsenal prepare to face Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on Sunday knowing a win will bolster their Premier League title bid and extend a formidable record against capital rivals.
The Gunners are entering the final countdown of the season with just 10 matches separating them from a potential first league crown in 22 years.
Mikel Arteta’s side regained momentum in the title race with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.
William Saliba has urged his teammates to handle the intensity of the run-in as the pressure mounts.
“There is always a pressure because it’s the best league in the world but we’ll give everything and we will embrace the pressure,” said the French defender.
Dominance in the capital
Sunday’s fixture presents an opportunity for the league leaders to continue a relentless run of form against local opposition.
Following the victory against Spurs, the north London club have won 18 and lost just one of their last 25 meetings with teams from the capital.
Their recent history against Chelsea is particularly strong, with Arsenal remaining unbeaten against the Blues since August 2021.
The two sides have met 10 times since that defeat, with the Gunners reasserting authority in the fixture.
Navigating the run-in
The fixture list appears favourable for Arteta’s men, with three of their final five games to be played at home.
Furthermore, three of their last four matches are London derbies against Fulham, West Ham and Crystal Palace.
However, a pivotal trip to the Etihad Stadium to face defending champions Manchester City remains the only away fixture against a top-half side.
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has suggested Arsenal are capable of winning at City to prove their credentials.
Arteta demands passion
Manager Arteta believes the motivation of ending the club’s long wait for silverware is driving the squad forward.
“It’s the purpose that we have, the objective that we have, it’s what we love doing,” Arteta explained regarding the title charge.
“Football shows you that, keep going, whatever you do, you win, keep going.”
“If you lose, drop, keep going, because it is worth it, especially with the people that we have in this club.”