Chelsea host Arsenal on Sunday in the Barclays Premier League where the Blues will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run and extend their lead at the top. Arsenal, also, unbeaten in the league, are heading into the game on the back of a convincing 4-1 victory against Galatasaray in the midweek and are expecting to change their recent history with a victory at the Bridge.
Wenger v Mourinho
Arsene Wenger said in the presser that “it’s a game about clubs” and not between the two managers, but the intense rivalry between the two greats is hard to ignore. Back in 2005, Mourinho described Wenger as a “voyeur” with “a big telescope” and their relationship took a nasty turn last season, when the Portuguese responded to a criticism by calling him “a specialist in failure.”
Mourinho enjoys a healthy on-pitch supremacy over his rival, especially in Premier League football. In 10 meetings between the two, Wenger has still to taste victory. In fact, Arsenal’s record against the eventual top five over the last five seasons has been abysmal, managing only one victory in 20 games.
Fabregas against in his old club
Wenger admitted ahead of the match that Fabregas wanted to return to Arsenal before joining Chelsea, but the Gunners decided not to buy him because they already had plenty of options in midfield.
Being a professional, Fabregas has moved on. But, at the same time, he has a special bonding with Arsenal and their fans. It will be an emotional game for him.
Popular Arsenal blogger Andrew Mangan of Arseblog sums it up perfectly on what it will be like to see Cesc Fabregas playing for Chelsea against Arsenal.
Injury ravaged Arsenal v league leaders
“We want to go to Chelsea to win. The fact they are six points ahead makes that desire even bigger” said Wenger ahead of this match.
It has always been Wenger’s mantra to play to win in every game, but sometimes you have to be pragmatic in your approach. Last season, Arsenal lost 6-0 last season at the Bridge, humiliated 6-3 at the Etihad and lost 5-1 at Anfield.
Arsenal must sacrifice an expansive and free flowing brand of football away from home in big games. The Gunners have been hit by a spate of injuries and they need to put up a disciplined performance in order to avoid another trouncing this time around.
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