Chelsea vs Arsenal

[Jazz 16]

Grand Slam Sunday- I figured this game deserved a thread of its own.
Can anyone see Arse beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge? I cant...
What outcome do we want? Chelsea win? a draw?

Give us your views on what will be a hugely significant game in
the Title race.

[Man Utd]

I think a draw would be best for us

[Ben.A]

Im gonna go for a chelsea win,arsenal haven't been in the best of forms recentley,they would have lost there last few games if it wasn't for last minute goals. Chelsea however have been quite good,picking up the points and hotting up the pressure on us and arsenal late on in the season. Im gonna go for 2-1 to chelsea

[reddwarf]

Fingers crossed for a draw in this one. Combine that with a victory for us over Liverpool and we'll be strong favourites to win the title.

Chelsea have an amazing home record but AC Milan's isn't bad either. The result could depend on whether Adebayor and Fabregas show up - both have suffered a dip in form recently.

[spwaff]

draw would be perfect if we won, they would both lose ground, and remain lower in the pecking order. but if romans army wins, they will pressure us for the title since they have been more consistent compared to adebayor's goal drought hit gunners

[One United1989]

heres hoping for a draw, cant see Arsenal winning

[fazman]

Weve got to hope for a draw but if anyone was to win id say arsenal because were at home to them so well win we need chelsea as far away a possible before we go to the bridge

[red_devils4life]

Source: SoccerLens


http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00408/fight4_682x400_408828a.jpg

All of a sudden it was a three horse race at the top of the Premier League with Chelsea clambering back to battle with Arsenal and Manchester United. Now, after Chelsea threw away two points at Tottenham last night they sit two points behind Arsenal and five behind United. That makes this game a real six-pointer. A defeat for Chelsea would probably end their hopes.

Earlier in the season at the Emirates, Arsenal won the game 1-0 when a rare mistake by Cech allowed the much maligned William Gallas to notch the only goal in first half injury time.

Last season’s game at Stamford Bridge ended in a 1-1 draw. It is very unlikely that either team will run away with this one.

So let’s look at the runners and riders:

Form Guide

Chelsea are unbeaten in their last six home games having won four of them. Overall, they are unbeaten in any of their last six games, but the 4-4 draw at Tottenham last night will feel like a defeat. To draw a game in which you have been 1-0, 3-1 and 4-3 up could have a seriously demoralising effect.

Likewise, Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six away games winning three of them. Overall, they have won only two of their last six in the league and are currently on a sequence of four draws. Unlike the other big game this weekend, neither of these teams will be approaching the game in particularly confident mood.

Team Guide

CHELSEA (Possible) Cech, Ferreira, Alex, Terry, A Cole, Makelele, Mikel, Lampard, Ballack, J Cole, Drogba.

Petr Cech may be fit to play but Cudicini will continue to deputise if not. Essien, Bridge, Carvalho, Kalou and Anelka will all be in with a shout of starting the game. With all the criticism of Avram Grant’s team selections he better get this one right!

ARSENAL (Possible) Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Eboue, Fabregas, Flamini, Hleb, Adebayor, Van Persie.

This is likely to be the starting line-up for the Gooners but Wenger could spring a surprise

Danger Men

For Chelsea there is Drogba with only six goals in an injury and African Cup of Nations hit season and/or Anelka who has scored eleven. There are also goals from the midfield in Ballack 4, Lampard 10 and Cole 7, all chipping in. Of course, if Kalou plays, he’s chipped in with 6 goals in only 12 starts this season as well.

Arsenal will be looking to Adebayor to rediscover the golden goal scoring touch he had earlier in the season which gave him 19 Premiership goals and will hope that Fabrigas (7) or someone else from the midfield area can produce the goods. There is a nasty story doing the rounds that Adebayor is being nicknamed ‘the new Sampson’ as he has lost all his goalscoring powers since he had his hair cut. The Gooners will also be looking to Van Persie to produce the sort of form he was hinting at prior to his injury

The Managers

Avram Grant has come under intense media scrutiny following Chelsea’s exit from the FA Cup and their Carling Cup final defeat to Tottenham. The fans are said to be unhappy and the players are said to be unsettled.

The fact is that things are going pretty well in the League and Grant could still lead Chelsea to a Premiership and Champions League double. A win here would be a big step towards that goal.

Arsene Wenger has also come under media scrutiny following some of his recent comments. Unlike Grant however, I don’t think anyone is calling for him to be sacked.

It is strange that the reaction to the two managers is so different when they are so close in the League, both in the quarter finals of the Champions League and out of the other two competitions in disappointing circumstances.

Avram Grant has said he is ‘close friends’ with Wenger. He has said he wants to be ‘the Arsene Wenger of Chelsea.’

As far as I know, Wenger has never said he wants to be like Grant!

Predictions

In the last nine games at Stamford Bridge between these two, Chelsea have won two, Arsenal one and six have been draws.

This one is likely to be a tight old game. It could well be a battle. The two teams have previous with each other and there is no love lost.

There is the Ashley Cole factor as well. He was lucky to stay on the pitch after a dreadful tackle last night and is sure to be given a rough ride by the Arsenal fans.

Only a foolish man, as they say, would predict the result of this one. I’m foolish enough to say that I can see a draw…or a Chelsea win…or Arsenal…Oh I don’t know!

[burnzy1987]

as everyone has said, i say/hope for a draw.

i can see the arse giving a good account of themselves though, too prove that they still want it.

[migueldadon]

I think it will be a boring draw 1-1 or 0-0, grant cannot make his team deliver in the big matches and arsenal are not in good form.

[sparkic]

Draw would be best for Chelsea vs Arsenal BUT Chelsea are much stronger and in the form Arsenal are in the EPL who are struggling for goals after Eduardo got injured, it seems like Chelsea should and could be able to beat them easily imo. But in football you never know what happens and Arsenal might win, but I hope for a draw and a Man United WIN!!

[Ignatius]

I think it will be a boring draw 1-1 or 0-0, grant cannot make his team deliver in the big matches and arsenal are not in good form.

I think so to

[Keano4taoiseach]

These two are surely bound to pick up a good few yellow cards, hopefully red on sunday considering their history and dirty players.

I just hope the game is jam-packed with incidents. :)

[akash_reds]

i think a draw will be good......because then there will be a considerable lead with both the teams......hope arsenal will give a good game to chelsea.....i dont want chelsea to win and also dont want arsenal to win...so perfect scenario for me.....

[Red Devil]

I do hope this is a draw!!!

[Keano!]

I've got a feeling that Chelsea will nick a win here. Arsenal aren't looking so sharp
of laate and Stanford bridge, to be fair, is a fortress for Chelsea. when did they
last loose there? Well, I simply can't see Arsenal getting anything from their
Londen rivals.

To me, if we should be fearing anyone, it should be Chelsea, not Arsenal!

[red_devils4life]

From Goal.com


Neither Chelsea nor Arsenal have their sorrows to seek heading into Sunday's encounter at Stamford Bridge, with both sides sweating over some late injury concerns...

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech faces a race against time in order to be fit for the London derby at home to Arsenal on Sunday.

The Czech international missed out on the 4-4 draw at White Hart Lane midweek, and his ankle is not guaranteed to heal up in time for this encounter.

Should he fail to recover then Carlo Cudicini will stand in once more.

Nicolas Anelka, Michael Ballack and Mikel John Obi are all fit, however, and could take part.

For Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, Tomas Rosicky is a definite absentee.

The Czech has a hamstring injury that will see him sidelined along with Abou Diaby and, of course, long-term casualty Eduardo.

Theo Walcott, however, could return.

[ManUtd08]

draw would be great hehe

[Nemanjaaa]

Nah it will always be a boring dull game with boring dull players slogging it out
0-0 all the way (which would be fantastic if we were to win as well)

[red_devils4life]

From The DailyMail


http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/03_03/gallasdrogPA_468x287.jpg

Didier Drogba has cranked up the pressure ahead of Chelsea's Grand Slam Sunday clash with Arsenal by asking the Stamford Bridge crowd to unsettle William Gallas.

The Ivory Coast striker, who is looking forward to facing former Chelsea team-mate Gallas and compatriot Kolo Toure, said: "William knows he is coming to the cauldron of Stamford Bridge, like with Ashley Cole [at Arsenal], he will be booed. But they are top players and I will need help from the crowd to unsettle William.

"Hopefully I will score on Sunday," he continued. "I will be against my mates but they also know it will not be easy for them.

Arsenal travel across the capital to Chelsea on the same day as Liverpool take on Manchester United at Old Trafford in what promises to be the a pivotal weekend in the Barclays Premier League title race.

"It is going to be some weekend," the Chelsea striker told skysports.com. "The games are too close to call but our experience will be needed on Sunday."

Drogba, who was allegedly angry with Avram Grant's substitutions during the 4-4 draw at Tottenham on Wednesday, added "Arsenal are a wonderful team with the ball, but we are very powerful.

"At this time of ths season you won't see any big scores between the teams because all the games are now pressure games.

"Hopefully we will come out stronger from the big encounters."

[scott 4 evra]

who said u can't predict this game. i tink it's obvious chelski win. 2-0 i say. i tink our game is harder to predict imo. chelski's home record is rediculously good.

[Lucky7]

I hope this game will be a draw,but I predict Chelsea winning here.
2-1

[Nemanjaaa]

No i still think 0-0, would like to see some goals but cant see it happening the games between these two are always dull and the only interesting things that happen are that fabregas with slap lampard in the face or something like that.

[Fan van Man]

A draw, I hope. But Chelsea will win at Stamford Bridge, let there be many red cards!

[Nemanjaaa]

Go back on my word here it wasnt a bad game to be fair but obviously a draw would of been better!
Looks like we have to go to the Bridge near the end of the season focused on winning.

[sphinx]

I hope this game will be a draw,but I predict Chelsea winning here.
2-1

wawaweewa...you got it right :)

[red_devils4life]

From Goal.com

http://njmg.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/10/18/didier_drogba_the_associated_press.jpg

Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal

A classic Chelsea comeback, inspired by Didier Drogba, dented Arsenal’s title hopes whilst boosting their own considerably. The Gunners took the lead, but a double from the Blues’ Ivorian star ensures Chelsea leap-frog their rivals in the table.

Bacary Sagna’s first goal for his club, a flicked header from Cesc Fabregas’ corner gave Arsenal a deserved lead (59).

But Chelsea responded in trademark fashion, fighting for possession and clawing their way back into the game through a rifled finish from Didier Drogba (72).

Avram Grant, who was widely booed as the Blues trailed, made some decisive changes, one of which paid instant dividends.

One minute after coming on, Nicolas Anelka leaped like a gazelle to knock down a free-kick for Drogba to control, turn and score from six yards to give the hosts the lead (80).

Still reeling from Drogba’s double body-blow, Arsenal tried to equalise and rescue their title hopes, but Chelsea held firm to register an important win for their own Premier League ambitions.

First-Half

In a rather tetchy and tight beginning to the game, two swift counter-attack exchanges from both sides promised more than the first half eventually delivered.

Bacary Sagna galloped down the flank and with Emmanuel Eboue alongside him the fullback played a poor pass when in a good position, then Michael Essien mirrored Sagna’s wastefulness a minute later as he found the fans with his pass instead of Didier Drogba or Joe Cole.

A foul on Michael Ballack in the fifth minute drew the first opportunity of the game, a free-kick from 25 yards out. But as Drogba stepped forward to hit the shot, Eboue raced from the wall and was promptly booked for infringement. Ballack eventually took the shot, a rasping curling shot around the wall that Manuel Almunia did well to save and hold.

Arsenal responded well, taking charge of possession and fashioning a couple of half-chances, one which the returning Robin Van Persie skewered wide after a tackle on Alexander Hleb saw the loose ball fall fortunately at the feet of the Dutchman.

Then a fabulous ball from Cesc Fabregas in-between Ricardo Carvalho and Essien (playing right-back) found Hleb, who advanced into the box but couldn’t pick out Emmanuel Adebayor for a tap-in.

Minutes later and Van Persie did better with his second attempt, a control, turn and instant half-volley shot from the edge of the area that Carlo Cudicini comfortably saved.

The hosts hit back, rather un-intentionally, as John Terry’s hacked clearance fell perfectly into the path of Drogba, but the Ivorian’s control let him down as he bore down on goal allowing the ball to run to the grateful Almunia.

With neither side doing enough to take control, the feeling the opener would come fortuitously increased among observers.

And minutes before half-time lady luck did play her part, but not to open the scoring. Instead, William Gallas’ tap-in from three yards from Fabregas’ corner somehow hit the post instead of going in, and only a minute later Salomon Kalou returned the favour as he completely missed the ball with an air-kick from three yards out after Terry had knocked a free-kick down for him.

Second-Half

Arsenal started brighter after the break and managed to dictate the flow enough during the early period to make the Chelsea fans audibly anxious.

Within the first couple of minutes and Cudicini was forced into action, making a great reaction save at his near-post from Mathieu Flamini’s blast from close range.

Drogba momentarily pierced Arsenal’s early dominance as he raced onto Makelele’s over-the-top pass, but Gallas got back superbly to put the striker off just as he was pulling the trigger.

Back came the Gunners with a neat passing move that deserved a better finish than the weak shot Adebayor mustered.

But that was all forgotten as minutes later and Arsenal took the lead.

Sagna showed real hunger to get on the end of Fabregas’ corner, first racing past marker Kalou before stretching ahead of Frank Lampard to flick a near-post header past Cudicini and into the net (59).

Although the goal was deserved for the way the Gunners started the second half, Chelsea also deserve credit for immediately fighting back to get into the game.

A minute after going behind and former Gunner Ashley Cole could have levelled matters if he had showed more conviction with a back-post header from Joe Cole’s deep cross.

The Kalou turned Kolo Toure, but his drilled ball across the goal was spectacularly cleared by Gallas.

Turning up the pressure, Chelsea should have equalised through Ballack, whose mis-hit volley from a Toure clearing header fell into Alumina’s hands.

With his side taking a breather, Avram Grant took the initiative and bought Nicolas Anelka and Juliano Belletti on for Makelele and a very disappointed Ballack.

And the changes worked instantly. A lofted ball up-to Drogba was kept alive by the muscular Ivorian, who then found turned to find the loose ball begging to be hit on the edge of the area and duly obliged by rifling his shot past the keeper (72).

Arsenal were visibly shaken, and ten minutes later they once again failed to deal with a simple lofted ball, this time a Carvalho free-kick that Anelka rose highest to flick sideways for Drogba to show instant control and deadly finishing ability as he stroked the ball from eight yards out of reach of the keeper and into the corner of the net (80).

Arsene Wenger made changes to rescue the game, but neither Abu Diaby nor Theo Walcott could be the hero as Chelsea’s defensive unit rebuffed the sporadic chances Arsenal created during the final few minutes to record what could be a crucial win in the chase for the league trophy.

[fazman]

were well clear of them both now would of preferd a draw but i will take this all the same

[Clarky101]

tbh their is no difference in the match being a draw or a chelsea win. if it was a draw we would of been 5 points clearer than arsenal and if chelsea won (which they did) we would of been 5 points clear of them aswell so who cares tbh.

everything fell into place nicely :)

[red_devils4life]

From Goal.com


A tightly contested end-to-end game came to life in the final half hour as Arsenal took the lead then surrendered all three points, all but ending their title hopes, as Chelsea are right back in the thick of things...

Avram Grant won his first game against formidable opposition, Chelsea's home record went from being under threat to being continued in style thanks to a double from Didier Drogba.

Arsenal, having drawn four in a row, have now been dealt a bitter blow with this loss; Arsene Wenger will be particularly bothered by his side's inability to defend high balls into the box which led to both goals.

Chelsea

Cudicini — 7: Had a quiet game and made all his saves fairly comfortably. Was powerless to stop the goal.

Essien — 6.5: Out of position his lack of passing prowess when closed down on the right was exposed, but he ran tirelessly and put himself about.

Terry — 7: Was strong in defence and stayed tight, not allowing Adebayor any space, and was a threat when he went forward as well.

Carvalho — 7: Slightly uninvolved and largely was looking to sweep things up. Arsenal rarely got in behind he or Terry as they each put in a tidy performance.

A Cole — 7: Despite constant heckling from the vociferous visiting crowd, Ashley Cole put in a professional performance to go some way toward redeeming his antics midweek against Tottenham Hotspur. Got up and down the left hand side well.

Makalele — 7: Swept up and kept to his task very well, was good on the ball and of course always a menace when off it.

Ballack — 7: Put in a good performance. His passing and aerial threat were always apparent despite not being afforded the freedom he has been used to for many years now with Frank Lampard also in the team here at Stamford Bridge.

Lampard — 6: Lucky to stay on, as of he and Ballack, he had had the worse game when the German was substituted. However, being one of two golden boys comes with its perks, and to his credit he was in the right place at the right time as he played a part hassling Arsenal's backline when Drogba netted the equaliser.

J Cole — 8: Would have been Man of the Match had it not been for the man below. Ran tirelessly all night, boasted his great technique and speed and used the channels tremendously well.

Drogba — 9: Cometh the hour, cometh the man. The home side were a goal down with a half hour remaining and Chelsea most definitely had a case of the Blues until Drogba - the man who scores so many of the team's goals when they need him - netted not just the equaliser but the winner as well. Two good strikes - the first in particular, with the second being hit as well as he could have in the situation - and the high ball into the Ivorian was the source of discomfort all afternoon for the Gunners. Performances like this win titles.

Kalou — 6.5: Can be happy with what was a positive display. Was not always involved as much as he would have liked, but worked hard and was usually assured in possession. Also threatened on a couple of occasions.

Substitutes: Belletti — 7, Anelka — 6.5, Mikel — N/A

Arsenal

Almunia — 6: Could have perhaps got a stronger hand to the second goal but was otherwise quick off his line when required and did okay.

Sagna — 7: Did well to nullify the threat of Kalou for large parts of the game. Didn't get forward as much as he has been in recent weeks, but was in the box when it mattered to make a fantastic near-post run and glance a header into the back of the net. Unfortunately went off injured and in a fair bit of discomfort soon after.

Toure — 5: Was all at sea for Chelsea's decisive goal, the match-winner. Dealt with most threats along the ground but struggled all afternoon with the high balls into Drogba.

Gallas — 5.5: Like Toure, was hassled by Didier Drogba but also made some good saving tackles. Will not be happy with his side's failure to clear their lines before Chelsea equalised.

Clichy — 6: Was not as strong as he is known to be. Joe Cole made his life difficult, though he did quite well going forward whenever he was afforded the opportunity.

Eboue — 5: Largely ineffective up against Ashley Cole and his notorious bad attitude reared its ugly head a couple of times as well.

Fabregas — 6.5: Could not be faulted for his tenacity nor his technique. There was a lack of end product as Chelsea's compact defence made things difficult and Arsenal offered little in wide areas.

Flamini — 7: A tireless runner who turned Frank Lampard into the invisible man for large portions of the game, and with Alexander Hleb's inability to run, Flamini was not afraid to go outside and play as a winger on a couple of attacks as well.

Hleb — 5: It's the Hleb of old. After a promising start to the season that saw him shed a few of his earlier demons, the Belarus international has always looked to overplay the ball and offers nothing playing in a wide role.

Adebayor — 5: Kept out of the game on the most part by an incredibly well-disciplined backline. Needs to grow his hair back, or maybe use a hair-piece for immediate results.

Van Persie — 5: Continues his disappointing form following his comeback from injury. Does not quite have the same excuse as Adebayor, as the Dutchman often drifted wide left and was afforded some space there, but rarely made a pass or had a shot to impress.

Substitutes: Diaby — n/a, Walcott — n/a, Bendtner — n/a

[Keano4taoiseach]

I hope this game will be a draw,but I predict Chelsea winning here.
2-1
Nice prediciton.

Drogba Chelsea's saviour once again :rolleyes:

[scott 4 evra]

Decent game that. Arsenal were just not strong enough tho. I knew Chelski wud hav too much even when Arsenal scored. Drogba findind last seasons form is not good for us and they are in with a huge chance of winning it this year imo. The stamford bridge game from lst year that we thought wud be the decider lst year and turned out to be a reserve game looks like the game this year will be key.

Thats arsenal gone from the league and i tink pool will knock them out of the champo. BTW Theo Walcott is awful. touched the ball once in 25 minutes. He is extremely lightweight and he only really seems to have pace.