It might have been different for Arsene Wenger if Arsenal had not suffered another one of our slip-ups in midweek and failed to recover from a slow start against a surprisingly good Watford team to slip to a first defeat in nine games and the first of 2017.
It was our first loss at home in the Premier League since the start of the season as well, but it was a loss and it leaves our manager with little choice but to risk all and go for the win at Stamford Bridge Bridge today. A draw is not a lot of use to us to be honest so we may as well risk defeat and hope for the reward of all three points and closing the gap to six points.
However, the tactics the Gunners are likely to adopt will play right into the hands of Antonio Conte and Chelsea, according to a Sky Sports report in which their former striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink gave his thoughts on the big derby clash.
The Dutchman said, “The beauty is Arsenal have to win to give themselves a chance. That is actually great for Chelsea because Chelsea is a different animal when the opposition is open.
“They’re so organised, and very comfortable without the ball. They’re going to have spells where they’re not going to have the ball because Arsenal are fluent and can keep it for long spells. I can only see a Chelsea win.”
Will Arsenal be walking into a Chelsea trap if we are too attack-minded? And do we have any choice?
Bob.