- We head across London to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday and this more than any other game in recent weeks really will be the catalyst to kick-start the season if the reigning Premier League champions can get a result.
- It's easy for people to only look at the negatives, but we are unbeaten since before Christmas. We haven't been climbing the table quite as hoped, but the team hasn't lost a game for more than a month. If nothing else that demonstrates resilience and character.
- Pegging the league leaders back in their own backyard would be a huge statement and a massive confidence booster, more so than against any other opponent right now. If we can beat Arsenal away from home, we can beat anyone and that can only be a good mentality to have for the rest of the season.
- Should we head to the north of the capital and come away with three points it will show that the quality and the drive to win is still very much present in the Chelsea squad despite everything that has gone on.
- Arsenal might be top right now, but ahead of the game it's comforting to remember that our record against them in recent years has actually been very good. When it comes to big London derbies like this, current form goes out of the window and it's all about who turns up on the day.
- Cast your mind back just a few months and Chelsea claimed all three points in the meeting at Stamford Bridge. Things weren't good for us then, but the players put all that to one side and came out fighting to win that game. Arsenal lost their heads and we capitalised to win 2-0.
- Since 2011 the only time the Blues have lost against the Gunners was in the Community Shield at the start of this season. Looking further back, we've only been beatean by Arsenal five times in nearly 12 full years - that's in Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield games as well as Premier League.
- Specifically looking at games at the Emirates where the team will be playing this weekend there are a few memorable ones that stand out. Just last April a 0-0 draw there was a huge step towards securing the league title as we maintained our 10-point lead at the top of the table.
- In December 2013, we frustrated them in another 0-0 draw which stopped the Gunners going top for Christmas. Our mean defence didn't give up a major chance until the closing stages. Superb defending ensured Arsenal were kept out.
- As European champions, Chelsea won at the Emirates in September 2012, while we dumped them out of the League Cup on that pitch in October 2013. On the way to the 2009/10 Premier League title and FA Cup double we cruised to a 3-0 victory, courtesy of a brace from Didier Drogba.
- But given that Guus Hiddink is now back with the Blues the one that really stands out is the 4-1 Emirates demolition that the Dutchman masterminded during his first spell in charge in the spring of 2009. Goals from Alex, Nicolas Anelka, Florent Malouda and an own goal from Kolo Toure were the difference that day and were part of a five game-winning streak at the end of the season.
- They say in football that fond memories against certain opponents will serve players and managers well. Let's hope Chelsea take that into the game on Sunday and it will be another happy one for us to remember in north London. And one that will be the catalyst we've been waiting for.
- By Cody Taylor, Chelsea fan.
- For more Chelsea fan views or to join the conversation visit www.90min.com
السبت، 23 يناير 2016
Derby day victory just what we need
الاشتراك في:
تعليقات الرسالة (Atom)
ليست هناك تعليقات:
إرسال تعليق