This game today when Chelsea visit the Emirates is just about the most crucial match in the Top Four race so far this season. Arsenal are in danger of dropping 9 points behind the Blues if we lose, while Chelsea will have both us and Man United breathing down their necks if Arsenal win. This is the quintessential six-pointer!
Both managers are more than aware of the high stakes involved. As the Blues boss Sarri said: “..This match for us is a risk, and an opportunity,”
“A risk, of course, because they’re doing very well at home, so it’s a very difficult and dangerous match for us. And, as you said before, it’s a great opportunity for us.
“So the match is very important, very difficult because they are really a very good team.
“In the offensive phase, I think they are one of the best teams in the Premier League – really very dangerous.
“So the match will be really very difficult and, for us, will be really very important.”
The Gunners boss Unai Emery was even more emphatic about it, when asked if a defeat today would end our Top Four hopes. “I think yes,” he replied. “After our loss to West Ham, it is a big difference to be six points behind Chelsea instead of three points. The opportunity we now have against Chelsea is not the same but, if we win, we have the opportunity to be closer to them.”
He also pinpointed the biggest danger to Arsenal today. “With a player like (Eden) Hazard, usually all of the big teams in the world will think about the possibility of trying to sign them,” Emery said.
“He is in the top five players in the world. He has been the difference in a lot of matches.”
To be fair Aubameyang has probably had the same effect for Arsenal in this campaign, and we are in for a fascinating contest. Arsenal are unbeaten at home since the opening day, while Chelsea have only lost once to us in the last 14 League derbies. Will something give, or would both sides be happy with a draw?
Darren N
It’s compulsory for Arsenal to win today, if they still want to chase the top four position
Hazard is one of the most dangerous no 10s in the world and his dribbles were amazing in World Cup. Willian, Pedro, Odoi and him could change the game if given the space
It is important to score first, hence I hope our attackers are ready to break Chelsea’s defense with their pace
At least two players from Ozil, Ramsey and Torreira must start. We lack creativity without them.
#COYG
Earlier this seáson we started badly but we got into our rhythm late on – and that desire worried their side on that away-day. For the return tie we’re playing at Home – surely this is going to be the difference. Our attack option is better than chelski’s – 2-0 to the arsenal
*Hopeful we will show our desire.
okay let me be logical, we have more reason, hunger to go for the win in this game. We have the ability, what we lack is the character. Today the team might play to its full ability, tomorrow it might not, thats one problem this team has..Chelsea might play without a striker but their three forwards are blessed with pace and they’re tricky with the ball while our defense is a mess.
I hope the team wins though, but I ain’t excited about anything
Carragher: who are the real culprits.
http://www.squawka.com/en/news/emery-is-not-to-blame-for-arsenals-problems-this-season-says-carragher/1077743#UY8PLKc0Fr2hsf67.97
I expect another baffling team selection from Emery.
The whole club is a shambles – an example of how a club should not be managed.
Kroenke is fleecing the club of all its money and is calling it “self-sustainability”
And for a so called “top manager” Emery’s team selections are confusing and his tactics are questionable to say the least.
Win, lose or draw I don’t imagine we will make top four.
Not without at least eight new top class players….