“Winning is the best formula” “those two can handle him” – Arteta targets another restorative victory against improved Chelsea
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Arsenal Eyes Redemption in Crucial London Derby Against Chelsea
Arsenal heads to Stamford Bridge on Sunday with hopes of bouncing back after recent stumbles. An away match against Chelsea may not seem ideal given their recent form, but previous meetings with the Blues have often served as pivotal moments for Mikel Arteta’s squad. One such instance was Arsenal’s Boxing Day victory in 2020, when a 3-0 win over Frank Lampard’s Chelsea revived Arteta’s tenure during a turbulent period. In April 2022, a 4-2 win at Stamford Bridge provided another morale boost, helping them gain momentum in the closing months of the season.
Despite Chelsea’s single win over Arsenal in their last 10 meetings, Arteta remains cautious. On Friday, he acknowledged how past encounters have helped the team rally. “There’s been a few good moments,” Arteta said, referencing how players like Emile Smith Rowe have reignited the team’s energy and belief during key matches against Chelsea. As the London derby nears, Arsenal’s boss expressed confidence in his players’ commitment and preparation, highlighting that “momentum, energy, belief” are critical as the Gunners aim for a much-needed win.
Chelsea Faces Arsenal’s Stronghold and Cole Palmer’s Possible Return
Both teams are level on points in the Premier League, and Chelsea’s recent victory in the Europa Conference League demonstrates their capability under Enzo Maresca, who has built on Mauricio Pochettino’s progress last season. Arteta expressed admiration for Maresca’s strategic bravery and commitment, acknowledging Chelsea’s rising quality under his leadership. Yet, the spotlight remains on Chelsea’s potential lineup, particularly the availability of Cole Palmer. The young attacker missed the recent game against Manchester United but has been a standout player for Chelsea this season.
Asked whether Arsenal has a specific plan to counter Palmer’s influence if he plays, Arteta was direct. “Obviously, we will have a plan, not only for Cole, but to minimise all the quality and threats that they have,” he said. Arteta stressed that preparation for this game extends beyond one player, as Chelsea has multiple attacking threats that could exploit any gaps in Arsenal’s defense.
Odegaard’s Return and Arsenal’s Attacking Struggles
Arsenal’s attack has faced challenges recently, especially with limited goals from open play. However, the team is hopeful with the return of Martin Odegaard, who could revitalize their creativity and drive in the midfield. While Arteta is cautious about relying solely on Odegaard to solve Arsenal’s scoring issues, he acknowledged the Norway international’s significant influence. “Having a player like Martin helps because he’s shown how important he’s been for us,” Arteta stated. He emphasized that the solution lies in a collective effort to be more consistent and efficient in attack.
Arsenal’s Focus: Three Points Above All
Amidst questions of a crisis at the club, Arteta maintained that Arsenal’s primary goal is to secure a win. A victory could shift the narrative and reinvigorate the squad’s title ambitions. “Winning is the best formula for everything,” Arteta remarked, underlining the positive impact that a win would have on the team’s energy and confidence. He added, “We are here to win… anything that’s not winning is going to create other stuff, debates, arguments. We are here to win, that’s clear.”
In this crucial London derby, Arsenal’s resolve will be tested. Their sights are set on a vital three points, and while it may not be a glamorous performance, the result is all that matters. For Arteta and his players, a win could be the spark they need to get back on track and fuel their ambitions for the season.
