Arsenal, smarting from an opening day 2-0 loss to Premier League newcomers Brentford, are up against Chelsea in the London Derby. Here are 10 quick facts you may find interesting as you countdown to kick off…
- Due to several positive Covid-19 cases in their camp, including Willian, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, Arteta remains unsure who will be fit to feature against the Blues.
- Alex Runarsson remains out, while new signing Martin Odegaard won’t feature due to still waiting for visa clearance. Gabriel, Eddie Nketiah and Thomas Partey remain out.
- Arsenal are unbeaten in their last four games against Chelsea dating back to 20 months.
- On August 22 1951, Arsenal beat Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge. Exactly 70 years to that day, they meet again today at the Emirates.
- In the 2017/18 season, both sides met a total of five times which is the most they have met in a single season. They first met in the Community Shield which Arsenal won 4-1 on penalties after regulation time ended 1-1. Then they played a 0-0 draw in the EPL at the Emirates before an exciting 2-2 result at the Bridge. They met twice again in the League Cup, a 0-0 replay meant a replay which Arsena won 2-1.
- Chelsea are expected to have Romelu Lukaku lead the line at the Emirates after he trained with the squad this week following his isolation period.
- Hakim Ziyech and N’Golo Kante are in line to return from injury, however their full involvement remains unclear whether either would start against the Gunners.
- Christian Pulisic is confirmed to be out after testing positive for Covid-19 earlier this week.
- Chelsea have won just one of their last five games against Arsenal in the last five games since December 2019.
- For all their recent troubles, Arsenal have a better head-to-head record against their rivals. They have won 65, drawn 50 and lost 53 of their 168 league meetings. Their all-time head-to-head record in all competitions is 79 wins, 58 draws and 65 defeats in 202 total clashes.
