Chelsea v Arsenal LIVE: Result and final score after Pedro Neto ...
Pedro Neto fires Chelsea level with his left foot (Action Images via Reuters)
Chelsea and Arsenal shared the spoils in a tense and at times bruising 1-1 battle at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, keeping the London sides level in the Premier League, but still nine points adrift of leaders Liverpool.
Gabriel Martinelli put the visitors in front in the 60th minute, turning in a neatly lifted ball from captain Martin Odegaard, whose influence on his return from injury proved crucial after the Gunners’ failure to score in their last two games.
Chelsea equalised 10 minutes later when substitute Enzo Fernandez pushed the ball to the ever-lively Pedro Neto just outside the Arsenal area and the Portuguese stepped to one side and shot low to David Raya’s left.
The result lifted Chelsea to third and Arsenal to fourth in the table, both on 19 points.
Chelsea face Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in Premier League | 4.30pm GMT on Sky Sports
Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo (c), Lavia; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.
Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Partey, Rice; Saka, Odegaard (c), Martinelli; Havertz.
GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Arsenal (Martinelli, 60 min)
GOAL! Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal (Neto, 70 min)
Full-time: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
Chelsea FC 1 - 1 Arsenal FC
Chelsea and Arsenal’s chaotic London derby leaves only one certainty20:25 , Lawrence Ostlere
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal: Pedro Neto’s wonderful finish cancelled out Gabriel Martinelli’s opener as the spoils were shared.
Report by Miguel Delaney:
Chelsea and Arsenal’s chaotic London derby leaves only one certainty
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca speaks19:23 , Lawrence Ostlere
“The performance was good. We know them quite well and we competed pretty well. The performance is very important for us in this moment and it was good. We can rest now and go again.
“The performance from Pedro [Neto] was very good, all of them, complete. We played in the way we wanted to, brave, and try and play from the back always.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaks19:16 , Lawrence Ostlere
“The disappointment of not getting three points is bigger [than being satisfied with the point]. I think we dominated them, we were the better team in many phases and situations in the game and after going ahead, very disappointed in the way we conceded. It was so poor. It is not our standards and we don’t accept.
“It is a second phase set-piece and we were disorganised. We don’t reorganise quick enough and you can’t allow the pass that way. You need the quality of Neto to do it but our standards were not good enough.”
Player of the match Marc Cucurella speaks18:53 , Lawrence Ostlere
“It was a tough game. They’ve played together with the same ideas for a long time but we played well. We need to keep going in this way, we are doing well. We need to stay in this way and push more.
“Bukayo Saka is a top player. We’ve played a lot of times against each other, there is huge respect there. It is a good battle and hopefully we can have more. I try to not give him space and always be close to him. We knew he is a special talent and do my work and help my team. I tried to show the best of me.”
Chelsea goalscorer Pedro Neto speaks18:45 , Lawrence Ostlere
“We wanted to win, but we knew we had hard work in front of us because they are a good team. We came to win, so we’re not as happy as we wanted to be, but we didn’t want to lose and it’s a good point against a good team.
“We read the game well. We had moments we could have been better but we’ve done a good job and we want to keep improving at this level.
“I am really happy to help the team. This is a group that works really hard each day. I work every day to improve, I’m trying to improve and go to my best level.”
Pedro Neto fires Chelsea level with his left foot (Action Images via Reuters)
Full-time: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal18:38 , Lawrence Ostlere
It felt like a fair result overall. Both teams had good spells in the game and both sides tried to be positive and create openings. Chelsea might have shaded the game on chances, but there’s wasn’t a lot in it and Arsenal had that fantastic opportunity with the last kick. Spoils shared.
Full-time: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal18:28 , Lawrence Ostlere
What a miss!!! Saliba crosses from the left side of the box and all Kai Havertz has to do is tap it into the empty goal, but Leandro Trossard stretches out a toe and diverts the ball wide before it can reach Havertz in the centre. Oh dear. Mikel Arteta punches the floor in frustration as the full-time whistle blows.
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal18:26 , Lawrence Ostlere
90+4 min: Odegaard trips Marc Cucurella as the Chelsea defender tries to counter-attack. No booking, oddly.
On Sky Sports, Cucurella is awarded man of the match by Gary Neville for his handling of Bukayo Saka today, which was impressive – although so strong that Saka left the field injured.
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal18:23 , Lawrence Ostlere
90+3 min: Arsenal try a short corner but it doesn’t work, with Saliba ruled offside when the ball eventually comes into the box. A waste.
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal18:22 , Lawrence Ostlere
90 min: Neto whips in a threatening ball but it curls just beyond Cole Palmer arriving near the penalty spot.
Christopher Nkunku replaces Nicolas Jackson.
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal18:21 , Lawrence Ostlere
89 min: There will five more minutes added on. Can anyone find a winner?
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal18:19 , Lawrence Ostlere
86 min: Wow, what a miss! Arsenal speed down the right with Jesus and his cross eventually falls to Trossard in the box, who misses from just a few yards with the goal gaping, smashing the ball over the bar. He’s saved, in a way, by the offside going up against Jesus for his original run down the flank.
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal18:14 , Lawrence Ostlere
83 min: James immediately gets into the thick of things, crossing to the near post and then chasing a bouncing ball into the box a moment later, which Raya can only push clear as far as Jackson, but the striker’s header lands back into a grateful Raya’s grip.
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal18:12 , Lawrence Ostlere
82 min: Chelsea make another change: captain Reece James is on at right-back for Malo Gusto.
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal18:11 , Lawrence Ostlere
81 min: Saka’s race is run. He limps away and is replaced by Gabriel Jesus.
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal18:11 , Lawrence Ostlere
79 min: Odegaard feeds Trossard on the left side of the box, who cuts inside and shoots, but his effort is blocked by Gusto.
This is worrying for Arsenal: Saka is down injured after a robust challenge by Marc Cucurella. The Spanish defender is furious that the game has been stopped and he’s booked for screaming at the officials.
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal18:09 , Lawrence Ostlere
78 min: Jackson flashes a dangerous cross across Arsenal’s six-yard box but no one is there to meet it.
18:07 , Lawrence Ostlere
75 min: Arsenal, by the way, have made a couple of changes of their own after the goal. Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard have replaced Martinelli and Rice.
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal18:04 , Lawrence Ostlere
72 min: Credit to Maresca and his changes. Enzo Fernandez immediately made an impact, albeit a small one, and Pedro Neto’s switch to the opposite flank was crucial too in that goal. Arsenal never got near him.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal (Neto, 70 min)18:02 , Lawrence Ostlere
Chelsea are level! Arsenal sit off and allow the hosts to come forwards. Enzo Fernandez passes to Pedro Neto coming in off the right wing, 25 yards out, who takes a touch before smashing a left footed shot into the bottom-right corner of David Raya’s goal.
Pedro Neto celebrates in front of the Chelsea fans (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Chelsea 0-1 Arsenal17:59 , Lawrence Ostlere
68 min: Enzo Maresca makes two changes. Mykhailo Mudryk and Enzo Fernandez are on for the injured Lavia and Noni Madueke.
Chelsea 0-1 Arsenal17:57 , Lawrence Ostlere
66 min: A break in play, with Romeo Lavia down injured.
Chelsea 0-1 Arsenal17:55 , Lawrence Ostlere
63 min: Saka whips in a dangerous corner but Chelsea manage to clear their lines.
GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Arsenal (Martinelli, 60 min)17:52 , Lawrence Ostlere
The breakthrough! It’s brilliant by Martin Odegaard, who exchanges passes with Partey on the corner of Chelsea’s box before floating a cross to the far side of the area. Gabriel Martinelli does really well, calmly controlling the ball and shifting on to his right foot before firing home inside Sanchez’s post.
Martinelli fires past Sanchez to score for Arsenal (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal17:50 , Lawrence Ostlere
58 min: Havertz is back on the field sporting a black bandage around his head, looking like a nineties second rower.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal17:47 , Lawrence Ostlere
56 min: Kai Havertz has blood streaming from his head, from what looks like the same wound he suffered in midweek. He’s getting some treatment, so Arsenal have 10 men for now.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal17:46 , Lawrence Ostlere
54 min: The game has a great tempo right now, with both teams attacking with real purpose when they get hold of the ball. Right now it’s Chelsea with the upper hand.
Madueke cuts in from the right and clips a ball to Neto. Palmer gets to the byline and chips a cross towards Gusto, who goes down in the box claiming a penalty, but Michael Oliver is having none of it.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal17:43 , Lawrence Ostlere
51 min: Cole Palmer’s flat corner is headed clear by an Arsenal defender, but Chelsea come again. Madueke whips a beautiful cross for Fofana who’d stayed upfield, but the defender can’t quite get his shot on target from six yards out under a lot pressure from Saliba.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal17:41 , Lawrence Ostlere
48 min: Arsenal start the second half on the front foot and Chelsea are pinned back right now as the Gunners come forwards. Martinelli cuts in from the left side but Lavia blocks his effort on the edge of the box.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal17:40 , Lawrence Ostlere
The second half is underway at Stamford Bridge.
Other scores today in the Premier League17:29 , Lawrence Ostlere
Man Utd 3-0 Leicester: The Red Devils captain was involved in all three goals as Ruud van Nistelrooy ended his time as interim boss with another win:
With Amorim arriving, Fernandes proves why he is Man Utd’s most valuable player
Nottingham Forest 1-3 Newcastle: Alexander Isak, Joelinton and Harvey Barnes struck after the break to earn a deserved victory:
Newcastle’s second-half onslaught sinks high-flying Forest
Tottenham 1-2 Ipswich: Kieran McKenna’s side secured their first Premier League victory since 2002 to leave the hosts stunned:
Ipswich win first game of season with shock victory over Spurs
Half-time: Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal17:23 , Lawrence Ostlere
That was good fun on the whole, with plenty of bite that you’d hope and expect from a London derby, including four bookings.
Malo Gusto missed a huge chance for Chelsea with a close-range header, and Gabriel Martinelli should have scored with his left foot at the other end. Kai Havertz did score, after a clever Declan Rice free-kick, but it was ruled out by VAR for offside.
Cole Palmer and Martin Odegaard have been largely quiet, well marshalled by their opposition.
Half-time: Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal17:21 , Lawrence Ostlere
Chelsea finish the half on the front foot as Palmer sets away Neto down the left side. The Portuguese winger slips the ball back to Palmer arriving in the box, but his touch is just off and it runs away from his toes and into the gloves of David Raya.
And that’s the break.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal17:19 , Lawrence Ostlere
45+2 min: Chelsea will finish the half with another free-kick in a dangerous position after a flying Jackson is knocked over by Odegaard. It was a bit of a soft fall by the striker but Chelsea will take it.
Palmer again stands over this one... and again, he hits the wall.
17:17 , Lawrence Ostlere
45 min: Michael Oliver books Noni Madueke for stopping Arsenal from taking a free-kick deep in their own half. As yellow cards go, that’s about as pointless as it gets.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal17:16 , Lawrence Ostlere
44 min: Gabriel misses a routine header on the edge of his own box under pressure from Jackson, who fights for the ball and eventually draws a foul from the Brazilian defender. Out of nothing, Chelsea have a free-kick in a great position for Palmer, on the right side about 25 yards out...
It’s struck straight at the wall.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal17:14 , Lawrence Ostlere
42 min: Cucurella snuffs out Saka on the right wing, and Gusto does the same to Martinelli on the opposite side a moment later, sliding to block his low cross.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal17:12 , Lawrence Ostlere
39 min: Cole Palmer sends a long-range free-kick over the bar and it’s perhaps a sign of his frustration that he’s even tried it. Chelsea’s No 20 has barely touched the ball over the past 15 minutes.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal17:11 , Lawrence Ostlere
37 min: Ben White is booked for a clash with Pedro Neto which, replays suggest, was minimal. Neto threw himself to the floor. A good duel brewing there and now both players are on a yellow card.
NO GOAL! Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal17:05 , Lawrence Ostlere
33 min: Offside! Arsenal thought they’d scored a very clever goal as Declan Rice slipped the ball into Kai Havertz while Chelsea were setting up to defend a free-kick.
Havertz celebrates as Chelsea fume over the allowance of the quick free-kick, but it’s a moot point when VAR intervenes to rule Havertz just offside.
Pedro Neto is meanwhile booked for his protestations.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal17:01 , Lawrence Ostlere
30 min: This has been an entertaining first half hour, played out in a feisty atmosphere. Both teams have been positive with the ball and looked to create good openings, and on another day we might have seen a couple of goals already. Chelsea started brightest but Arsenal have settled into the game nicely.
Romeo Lavia clatters through Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal17:00 , Lawrence Ostlere
27 min: The biggest chance of the match so far falls to Martinelli in the box, in space, but his left-footed shot is too close to Sanchez and the goalkeeper sticks out a paw to push it clear.
Gusto, meanwhile, has dusted himself down and is OK to continue.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal16:56 , Lawrence Ostlere
24 min: Wow, what a piece of skill this is by Pedro Neto. I think I counted six dummied crosses, checking one way and then the other to leave Ben White in a bit of a tangle, before eventually lifting a perfect ball to the far post. Malo Gusto arrives to surely head home, but somehow misses the target from a couple of yards!
What’s more, he looks to have hurt himself in a collision with Martinelli.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal16:54 , Lawrence Ostlere
22 min: Chelsea deal with it comfortably as Sanchez comes out to punch clear.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal16:53 , Lawrence Ostlere
21 min: The first booking of the game is for Levi Colwill, who chops through the back of Bukayo Saka. Both Colwill and the Chelsea fans can’t believe it, but that was a terrible tackle and the right call. Arsenal have a free-kick on the right side which Rice can deliver...
16:51 , Lawrence Ostlere
19 min: First piece of brilliance from Cole Palmer, who takes a beautiful touch to spin behind Thomas Partey and suddenly Chelsea are off on the counter. Palmer’s only mistake is that he should pass through the centre for the unmarked Jackson, but instead he goes left for Neto. Neto digs out a cross which Madueke heads wide.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal16:49 , Lawrence Ostlere
16 min: Odegaard and Caicedo crash into one another, and the Arsenal captain comes off worse than the Chelsea captain. Michael Oliver awards a free-kick to the Gunners and Stamford Bridge erupts with fury. The home support felt that was 50-50, but I think it was just a little too forceful from the Chelsea man.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal16:46 , Lawrence Ostlere
13 min: Really smart move by Arsenal down the right side. Odegaard feeds Partey surging into the Chelsea half, who plays to Saka, who slips in an overlapping White. White’s cross from near the byline is hung temptingly towards the far post, but Fofana gets around to clear before it could reach the arriving Martinelli.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal16:44 , Lawrence Ostlere
11 min: Colwill and Raya clash as the Chelsea defender attempts to impede the goalkeeper’s kick. Colwill claims injury, Raya claims foul, and the referee agrees – but no booking when it might have been.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal16:42 , Lawrence Ostlere
9 min: Arsenal’s first sustained attack leads to a corner. Rice whips it low towards the near post where White flicks it on, but Chelsea manage to scramble the ball clear from their six-yard box. Arsenal’s excellent set-pieces could be a key feature of this game.
16:38 , Lawrence Ostlere
6 min: Sanchez pumps the ball to the right wing towards Madueke, and it’s headed clear for a throw-in by a back-tracking Timber. Arsenal are yet to settle with any possession, even briefly.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal16:36 , Lawrence Ostlere
4 min: The corner doesn’t lead to anything and Arsenal attempt to counter, but Gusto’s pace cuts off the break, and Chelsea come forwards again. They are the controlling team in these early stages, in what is a lively atmosphere.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal16:34 , Lawrence Ostlere
2 min: Palmer flings the ball out to the right wing for his good mate Madueke, who feeds the overlapping Gusto. The right-back’s delivery isn’t great, though, and Arsenal clear their lines.
A moment later, Palmer lets fly from 25 yards in the first effort of the match and it’s a good strike, typically well struck, and needs tipping over the bar by David Raya. Corner.
Kick-off! Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal16:32 , Lawrence Ostlere
Kai Havertz gets the game underway. Chelsea are in blue shirts and shorts with white socks; Arsenal are in red shirts and socks with white shorts, just the way we like it.
Chelsea v Arsenal16:28 , Lawrence Ostlere
Before kick-off, a moment of remembrance at Stamford Bridge as The Last Post is played.
Chelsea rememberance commemorations at Stamford Bridge (Reuters)
Chelsea v Arsenal16:25 , Lawrence Ostlere
Here we go then. The players are out on the pitch as kick-off is moments away...
Pre-match thoughts from Enzo Maresca16:20 , Mike Jones
The Chelsea boss said: “In this moment, the feeling from us is that we can compete, and we can win against any team. We have the right feeling that we are going in the right direction. Hopefully on Sunday, we can give our fans a good day.
“I also like to get pressure from these kinds of games. For sure, [Arsenal] are the closest ones with City. Both, I consider them better than the rest. But we’re going to try to make life difficult for them. Set pieces, they are very good. I watched the Champions League game against Inter Milan, and every corner was smelling of a goal.”
Palmer on fire16:15 , Mike Jones
Cole Palmer has been involved in a joint-high 12 Premier League goals this season, scoring seven and setting up five.
(Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
Arteta unbeatean against Chelsea16:10 , Mike Jones
Mikel Arteta is unbeaten in all five Premier League away matches as Arsenal manager versus Chelsea with three wins and two draws.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have lost just one of their last 26 Premier League games on the weekend after a European fixture (W19, D6).
Arsenal enjoy London derbies16:05 , Mike Jones
Mikel Arteta’s side have won all six Premier League London derbies in 2024 by an aggregate score of 22-3. They’ve scored five or more goals in three of those games.
Goals at both ends16:00 , Mike Jones
Chelsea could concede in seven consecutive Premier League home games for the first time since 2016 but the Blues have scored seven goals from set pieces (including a penalty), the highest tally in the top flight.
(Action Images via Reuters)
An unwanted record15:55 , Mike Jones
Arsenal could lose three in a row on the road without scoring for the first time since August 1994.
(REUTERS)
Arsenal need to fix their defence15:50 , Mike Jones
Despite having the best defence in the Premier League last season, Arsenal have conceded the opening goal in four of their last six league games and dropped points in five of their last eight.
Can they rediscover their back line stability?
Chelsea versus the big six15:45 , Mike Jones
Chelsea’s only three defeats in their last 25 Premier League games have come against Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool.
Their tally of 18 points is six more than they had after 10 Premier League matches last season under Mauricio Pochettino.
Injuries are taking their toll but Arsenal’s issues run far deeper – and Edu’s exit comes at the worst time15:40 , Mike Jones
There’s an example some modern coaches use to show a team that has run out of ideas: it is when they start swinging in crosses, repeatedly, to no effect. Arsenal tried that 46 times against Inter on Wednesday. It isn’t quite the 81 that David Moyes’ Manchester United attempted in the case study example against Fulham in February 2014, but it’s clearly a problem.
Three defeats in six isn’t even the team’s worst run in the last year, but the issue is that it feels like there is something deeper going on. The jubilant excitement about Mikel Arteta’s time, stretching back to the summer of 2022, has abruptly transformed into anxiety, manifesting in an impotent frustration on the pitch. It just isn’t happening for Arsenal right now. It’s all so forced. Headlines about issues the surprise departure of sporting director Edu then become even more consequential, fostering a sense everything is going wrong.
Injuries are taking their toll – but Arsenal’s issues run far deeper
Arsenal’s slow start15:35 , Mike Jones
Arsenal have 18 points after 10 matches, compared to 27 points in 2022/23 and 24 in 2023/24 when they were in contention to challenge for the title.
That is the same amount of points as Chelsea with the winner of today’s game jumping into the top four in the Premier League.
Chelsea’s good form15:30 , Mike Jones
Chelsea have lost just once in nine Premier League matches since their defeat on the opening weekend. They have won five and drawn three of the games during that run.
Arteta on Maresca15:25 , Mike Jones
Mikel Arteta says he is ‘really impressed’ with the job Enzo Maresca has done at Chelsea this season.
He spoke about his opposite number and said: “I’m really impressed about what [Enzo Maresca’s] done, but what they’ve done over a year because with Mauricio [Pocchetino] the last six months were extraordinary.
“You could see the squad, the quality they have, the amount of players they have and then Enzo has given his touch and you can see clearly what he wants to do. I think he’s been really brave from day one to consistently follow what he wanted to do.”
Chelsea v Arsenal: Confirmed line-ups15:24 , Lawrence Ostlere
So Chelsea’s team is about as strong as it can be, with Cole Palmer passed fit after a knock last week. Jadon Sancho has failed to make the bench but wouldn’t have started anyway.
Mike Arteta is boosted by the availability of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, after recent foot and head injuries respectively. Martin Odegaard came off the bench against Inter Milan in midweek, and comes in to the first XI here for his first start since August.
Martin Odegaard starts for Arsenal at Stamford Bridge (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Chelsea v Arsenal: Confirmed line-ups15:17 , Lawrence Ostlere
Cole Palmer and Kai Havertz both start!
Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo (c), Lavia; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.
Subs: Jorgensen, James, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Veiga, Fernandez, Joao Felix, Mudryk, Nkunku.
Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Partey, Rice; Saka, Odegaard (c), Martinelli; Havertz.
Subs: Neto, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Lewis-Skelly, Merino, Jorginho, Nwaneri, Trossard, Jesus.
Chelsea v Arsenal – team news15:10 , Lawrence Ostlere
Confirmed line-ups are moments away...
‘Not winning affects the mood’15:10 , Mike Jones
Mikel Arteta was honest in his assessment of Arsenal’s downturn in form and says that not winning games is starting to affect the mood of his squad.
The Arsenal boss said: “When you don’t win it affects the mood and energy but the positive thing is that it is impossible that anyone in this room or outside wants to win more than I do, and these guys in the dressing room want to do.
“I had a meeting with them about it and I can sense it straight away.”
Arteta provides Arsenal injury updates15:05 , Mike Jones
“Everyone in the squad is going to be fit and available to start the game,” Arteta said ahead of today’s clash with Chelsea. “Then it will be a decision whether it’s too early or the right moment to make that step again.
“We have to wait until tomorrow to see how [Havertz and Merino] react. Kai was a nasty cut and we had to take him off. Mikel, since the day before, wasn’t feeling great and we decided to sub him at half-time.”
Arteta on Rice’s fitness15:00 , Mike Jones
“I have to be vague on that one because there is no clarity if he is going to be fit or not for the weekend,” Mikel Arteta said when asked whether Declan Rice would be fit enough to feature against Chelsea.
He added: “He hasn’t trained yet and it is not clear whether he is going to be available or not to play.”
(REUTERS)
Declan Rice injury latest as ‘vague’ update adds to Arsenal concerns14:55 , Mike Jones
Declan Rice remains a major doubt for Arsenal ahead of the trip to Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday, with Mikel Arteta only able to offer a “vague” update on the midfielder’s foot injury.
Rice missed Arsenal’s defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday after sustaining the injury against Newcastle last weekend - with some reports suggesting the England international has a broken toe.
Declan Rice injury latest as ‘vague’ update adds to Arsenal concerns
Can Chelsea score against Arsenal?14:50 , Mike Jones
Arsenal have scored the last seven goals in this fixture. This match could be a good one for the Gunners to turn around their declining form or it could be an indicator that Chelsea are now performing better than their rivals.
It will all depend on which team proves successful this afternoon.
Head to head14:45 , Mike Jones
Chelsea’s only win in the last 10 meetings in all competitions was a 2-0 triumph in the Premier League at the Emirates in August 2021.
They’ve drawn two and lost seven during that run. The Blues have failed to win any of their last five home games against the Gunners with two draws and three defeats.
Cole Palmer injury update14:40 , Mike Jones
Cole Palmer could play for Chelsea against Arsenal this weekend, Enzo Maresca has confirmed.
The England international was caught by a heavy challenge from Lisandro Martinez in the 1-1 draw at Manchester United on Sunday and missed training at the start of this week.
“He’s getting better,” said Blues boss Enzo Maresca. “(Just because) he can walk and have dinner it doesn’t mean he is completely fit but we still have two days to prepare the game.
“Hopefully we can have him for the session at least Saturday and then we’ll take a decision.”
Chelsea sweep past Armenian minnows Noah with merciless eight-goal display14:35 , Mike Jones
Chelsea swept past Armenian side Noah as Enzo Maresca’s second string turned in a merciless attacking display to win 8-0 at Stamford Bridge.
The Europa Conference League had been a testing ground for the head coach to ply his enviable strength in depth and, having hit four in each of their first two matches, his stand-ins raised the bar to blow the visiting team away with six goals scored in the first half demonstrating a chasmic gulf in class.
Tosin Adarabioyo and Marc Guiu celebrated first Chelsea goals since joining, Joao Felix grabbed the opportunity to impress with two more, while there were goals too for Axel Disasi and, most impressively, Mykhailo Mudryk whose curler from outside the box was the pick of them.
Chelsea sweep past Armenian minnows Noah with merciless eight-goal display
Chelsea vs Arsenal prediction14:30 , Mike Jones
The hosts should be confident given Arsenal’s indifferent form of late. If they are brave in their own offensive efforts, they can win and send the Gunners into further turmoil.
Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal.
Chelsea vs Arsenal predicted line-ups14:25 , Mike Jones
Here’s how we see the two teams lining up against each other this afternoon:
Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, James, Caicedo, Lavia, Madueke, Palmer, Neto, Jackson
Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Partey, Jorginho, Odegaard, Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Arsenal early team news14:20 , Mike Jones
Kai Havertz picked up a head wound in midweek but should be fit to play, assuming no concussion ramifications.
Declan Rice missed that defeat to Inter Milan with a foot injury so should be considered a doubt here - but Martin Odegaard made his return from injury off the bench and might well be rushed into starting action given concerns over Arsenal’s form and the fact Mikel Merino is another doubt.
Raheem Sterling cannot feature against his parent club.
Chelsea’s early team news14:15 , Mike Jones
Cole Palmer remains a doubt but Enzo Maresca is hopeful he’ll be involved as the attacker makes progress after a knock. Jadon Sancho is also a slight doubt but doesn’t seem likely to start anyway.
Where can I watch it?14:10 , Mike Jones
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League, Main Event and Ultra HDR. Subscribers can stream the match on Sky Go.
If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
If you want to stream major sporting events while you are travelling or watching from abroad you’ll need a VPN. Get the best VPN deals in the UK. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
When is the match?14:05 , Mike Jones
Chelsea v Arsenal kicks off at 4:30pm GMT on Sunday 10 November.
(Zac Goodwin/PA Wire)
Chelsea vs Arsenal14:00 , Mike Jones
Sunday’s big Premier League clash sees a London derby take place amid an unexpected reversal of sorts, as Chelsea host Arsenal one place above them in the table.
The Blues have been on an upward trajectory under new boss Enzo Maresca, finding some control and consistency in their game even if wins haven’t been coming as relentlessly as he’d like in the top flight. Even so, they are up to fourth following a win over Newcastle and a draw against Manchester United in their last two.
Arsenal, meanwhile, haven’t won in three and were beaten by both Bournemouth and Newcastle recently, seeing them drop down to fifth place - one behind their hosts this weekend and below them on goal difference.
Of more concern to Mikel Arteta and his pre-season ambitions will be that they’re now seven points off the pace from leaders Liverpool, so there’s work to be done for the Gunners to get back on track for a title fight.
Good afternoon!09:54 , Mike Jones
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of today’s Premier League action as Chelsea host Arsenal in a crucial London derby.
The Blues hope to move into the top four and capitalise on their early season successes as they continue to shine under manager Enzo Maresca while Arsenal need to turn around a poor dip in form if they want to get themselves back into the title race.
The Gunners are currently 10 points behind league leaders Liverpool though they will be aware that another defeat for Manchester City, this time to Brighton, gives them a chance to close the gap on the reigning champions in second.
This should be a cracking affair and we’ll have all the team news, line-ups and updates throughout the afternoon so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 4.30pm.
