Football

Early Team News Preview: Arsenal v Chelsea

Published

2 months ago

March 16, 2025

Dan

🔢 Early team news
🗣️ What the managers say
♟️ Talking tactics

Everything you need to know right here in our matchday preview 👇

Two of the Premier League’s top four go head-to-head in London derby action on Sunday afternoon (1.30pm UK) as Chelsea cross the capital for a crunch game in the race for Europe.

The Blues will be looking to cut the six-point gap that currently exists between the teams, but to halve that deficit they’ll have to end a six-game wait for an away league victory, the same length of matches they’ve been searching for a victory over ourselves.

We have lost just one of our last 10 against the Blues with that solitary loss coming back in 2021, and as we look to get back to winning ways ourselves, Mikel Arteta will be keen to see that form continue ahead of the international break.

WINTER BLUES FOR CHELSEA

The Blues headed into the Christmas period being talked about as potential title challengers, as they sat second in the table, two points behind Liverpool. However they won one of their next six matches to slide out of the Champions League spots they crave to end the campaign in.

A 2-1 win over West Ham at the start of February was a false dawn as defeats to Brighton and Aston Villa followed, but the Blues bounced back by beating Southampton 4-0 and Leicester City by a single goal to win as many league encounters as in their previous 10. Both of those were at Stamford Bridge though, and they’re currently on a six-game search for an away win in the league, losing each of the last three.

After being knocked out of the FA Cup at the fourth round stage by Brighton, their hopes of silverware lie with the Conference League, and having cruised through the group stage scoring 26 goals in six games, Chelsea beat Copenhagen 3-1 on aggregate with Thursday’s 1-0 win in the second leg of the last 16.

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY

Arteta: “I think the way they develop as a team as well is very impressive, what they’ve done on the coaching staff, the amount of talent that they have in the squad. So yes, a really tough match, but a big chance for us to win the game.

“I think we’re two teams that want to be very dominant in the way of playing, are very aggressive on the high press and the way we have to have the ball. There’s a lot of individual quality on that pitch so it’s about imposing what you want and the direction that you want to take the game and keep them very far from their strengths. I think that’s going to be a key thing as well.”

Every word of Mikel’s pre-Chelsea press conference

Maresca: “‘The gap right now is quite big, and the reason why is because they are working with the same manager for five years, so the difference is quite important.

“With the same players, they have already played in some important games, but our target and duty is to close that gap between us and them. In this moment, the table shows the difference is six points, so we are quite close and have ten games to go. We’re not focused on whether they can be three, six or nine [points ahead]. We are focused on our game and how we try to beat them. Hopefully, we can beat them and we will be closer.”

TEAM NEWS

Bukayo Saka is getting closer but is still not ready for a return from his hamstring injury, while ex-Blue Kai Havertz is one of three players out for the remainder of the season, which includes Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Malo Gusto missed recent games against Leicester and Copenhagen, while Reece James returned from injury as a substitute in the latter.

Forwards Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke and Marc Guiu have all been out since early February with hamstring issues and will sit this one out, while Mykhaylo Mudryk is serving a provisional doping ban after testing positive for meldonium back in December.

TALKING TACTICS

Adrian Clarke, writing in the official matchday programme: Maresca’s preferred formation is a 4-2-3-1, but in possession his side often look more like a 3-2-5. The Italian likes one of his full-backs to push on into very advanced areas and swing the other around to make up a back three when they build from deep. Left back Marc Cucurella is the man most likely to take up attacking positions, often popping up as an unorthodox inside forward.

Chelsea boast the second highest average share of the ball this term, on 58%. As they are so capable of pinning rival teams back, the Blues have had the third-highest number of shots in 2024/25. In terms of expected goals, they also rank second in the division. In my opinion, Chelsea are at their most threatening on the counter. Liverpool are the only side to have had more shots from fast breaks than Maresca’s men, who have scored seven times on the counter-attack.

The central midfield unit of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, with Cole Palmer in front as a No. 10 is the beating heart. When space opens, they love to slide through balls in behind – and in that department they are the joint most productive team in the division alongside Aston Villa. The absence of injured striker Nicolas Jackson has impacted this strength though. Without his blistering speed they are not finding it as easy to penetrate opposition backlines.

Individual errors have plagued them all season. Remarkably, only Southampton have seen more errors lead to shots against them than the west Londoners who have leaked 12 goals from individual mistakes.

FACTS AND STATS

We are unbeaten in our last six Premier League games against Chelsea, our longest run without a league defeat against them since a run of 19 between 1995 and 2005.

We have won six of our last nine league games against the Blues – our previous six in the competition came over a 32-game period between 2004 and 2020.

Since the start of the 2021/22 season, Chelsea have only won three of their 19 Premier League away games against sides starting the day above them in the table.

The Blues have lost just one of their last eight away London derbies in the Premier League, however that defeat was a 5-0 loss in this exact fixture last term.

We lost 1-0 against West Ham in our last home league match – we’ve never lost back to-back London derbies at Emirates Stadium in the Premier League, last doing so at home in the 2005/06 campaign (vs Chelsea and West Ham at Highbury).

Martin Odegaard has had a hand in six Premier League goals against Chelsea (2 goals, 4 assists); against no side has he been involved in more.

If he plays, this will be Ethan Nwaneri’s last appearance before turning 18. No player under the age of 18 has ever scored in a Premier League London derby.

Each of Chelsea’s last nine Premier League goals against us have been scored by different players.

Marc Cucurella has scored in both of his last two Premier League appearances, as many as in his first 69 for Chelsea. Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol (5) is the only defender to score more Premier League goals than him.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Chris Kavanagh has been handed this fixture, and the previous three Gunners games he has been appointed to this term have all ended in draws – the home game against Brighton when he sent off Declan Rice, the away trip to Fulham and the visit of Aston Villa in January.

You have to go back to November 2022 when Chelsea last won under his watch, a run of seven matches which includes last season’s League Cup final loss to Liverpool. He averages 5.1 yellow cards per game this term, more than any top-flight official, while Rice is one of four players he has dismissed in the Premier League.

Referee: Chris Kavanagh
Assistants: Lee Betts, James Mainwaring
Fourth official: Sam Barrott
VAR: Jarred Gillett
Assistant VAR: Darren Cann

PREVIOUS VISITS FROM CHELSEA

The Blues have lost their last two away games against us, and we’re seeking a run of three for the first time since between 2001 and 2003. Last season saw us hammer Frank Lampard’s team, with braces from Kai Havertz and Ben White added to by a Leandro Trossard goal.

The season before saw Martin Odegaard net twice and Gabriel Jesus was also on target in May 2023, while the west Londoners’ last success on our patch came back in August 2021 when Romelu Lukauku and Reece James netted.

LIVE COVERAGE

You can watch our Live from N5 match preview show, where Nicole Holliday and Jeremie Aliadiere will be in the studio.

⁠Perry Groves joins us as we look ahead to our Champions League tie with Real Madrid, and we’ll share the best bits of Arsenal social media from the week just gone.

⁠Kieran Tierney and Neto take on our headphone challenge before we chat to Capital Xtra’s Omah Howard.

⁠UFC fighter Lone’er Kavanagh is also with us ahead of his fight at the O2 Arena, and there will be a round of The Celebration Game

⁠Adrian Clarke brings you all you need to know about Chelsea before live commentary from Dan Roebuck.

You can also find out which broadcasters are showing the action live, wherever you are in the world.

Football

REVEALRD: Why do Man Utd have (Red) as their shirt sponsor vs West Ham

Published

15 hours ago

May 11, 2025

Manchester United host West Ham United at Old Trafford this Super Sunday with momentum on their side.

After securing a spot in the Europa League final by dispatching Athletic Bilbao 4-1 on Thursday night, the Red Devils are looking to continue their winning form in the Premier League.

They had already established dominance in the first leg with a 3-0 away win, and their emphatic performance in the return leg sealed the tie with authority.

Their upcoming final will be an all-English clash against Tottenham Hotspur, setting up one of the most highly anticipated matches of the season.

This weekend, however, fans will notice a subtle but meaningful change on the pitch. Manchester United’s players will not be wearing their usual kits with Snapdragon’s branding across the front.

Instead, their jerseys will feature the logo of (Red), a charitable organization focused on fighting health inequality and supporting life-saving initiatives in vulnerable communities.

The partnership is part of a wider campaign and has the backing of United’s principal shirt sponsor, Qualcomm Technologies, which holds a £60 million-per-year deal with the club.

The decision to highlight (Red) during Sunday’s match underscores the club’s commitment to global causes. (Red) was founded in 2006 by U2 frontman Bono and activist Bobby Shriver, with a mission to combat AIDS and address health injustice in some of the world’s most at-risk regions.

United’s women’s team also showcased the (Red) logo during their recent Women’s Super League match against Arsenal, aligning both men’s and women’s squads with the initiative.

In addition to raising awareness, the kits worn in these fixtures will be auctioned off on MatchWornShirt, an online platform dedicated to selling match-worn memorabilia.

Proceeds from the auction will go directly to (Red)’s campaign efforts. Jennifer Lotito, president and COO of (Red), expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting how collaborations like this one help drive meaningful change.

She emphasized that the jerseys are more than collectible items—they are symbols of solidarity and tools for impact.

As United push toward the end of the season with silverware in sight, their collaboration with (Red) brings additional purpose to their performance.

Supporters not only get to watch their team chase European glory but also participate in a campaign that reaches far beyond the pitch. The combination of high-stakes football and meaningful advocacy makes Sunday’s fixture one to watch—for both sport and humanity.

Football

Two Premier League clubs line up moves for ex-Man Utd striker Mason Greenwood

Published

17 hours ago

May 11, 2025

Former Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood is attracting fresh attention from Premier League clubs as the summer transfer window approaches.

The 23-year-old has been in strong form for Marseille this season, netting 20 goals in 35 appearances, marking an impressive comeback after his high-profile departure from English football.

Greenwood left Manchester United in 2023 following a lengthy six-month internal investigation prompted by his arrest in January 2022. The arrest stemmed from allegations after disturbing content appeared online.

He was initially charged with rape and assault, though those charges were later dropped in February 2023 due to the withdrawal of key witnesses and new evidence that no longer supported a realistic prospect of conviction.

Despite his on-pitch performances in Ligue 1, Greenwood’s time in France has had its challenges. Some Marseille fans and even head coach Roberto De Zerbi have expressed concerns about his work ethic.

A recent incident saw supporters unveil a large banner at the Stade Vélodrome urging the young forward to improve his efforts during games. Nonetheless, Greenwood remains a significant attacking asset for the French club.

According to reports from The Telegraph, a move away from Marseille could be on the cards as early as this summer or in the January window. While interest from Spanish and Italian clubs, and even Saudi Arabian sides, has been mentioned, a return to England seems to be his preferred option.

However, such a move would be controversial given the nature of his exit from Manchester United and the public scrutiny surrounding his case. Campaigners in the UK, including domestic abuse advocacy groups, have openly criticized the idea of Greenwood returning to English football.

Manchester United issued a statement last year confirming Greenwood’s departure, stating that both the club and the player agreed it would be best for him to continue his career elsewhere.

The club also said the online material that led to public concern did not offer a complete picture and concluded that Greenwood did not commit the crimes he was initially charged with. Still, United acknowledged Greenwood’s admission of personal mistakes and his responsibility for them.

Following the club’s decision, Women’s Aid, a leading UK charity working to end domestic violence, welcomed the outcome, noting that it would offer some relief to survivors of abuse.

They also emphasized how football clubs’ handling of such cases can influence broader societal attitudes about what is deemed acceptable behavior.

Greenwood made 129 appearances for Manchester United, scoring 35 goals. At one point, he was considered one of the brightest prospects in English football and had earned a call-up to the national team under Gareth Southgate.

However, a return to the England squad is no longer in the cards after Greenwood switched his international allegiance to Jamaica.

While Barcelona’s rumored interest in the forward has faded, at least two unnamed Premier League clubs are reportedly evaluating a move despite concerns over public backlash. Greenwood remains under contract with Marseille, but if the right offer arrives, a transfer could soon become reality.

Football

Chelsea star Cole Palmer hits back at journalist over Reggie Walsh question

Published

18 hours ago

May 11, 2025

Cole Palmer had a lively exchange with a reporter following Chelsea’s convincing semi-final victory in the UEFA Conference League.

After the Blues secured their spot in the final with a 5-1 aggregate win over Djurgårdens IF, the spotlight wasn’t just on the result, but also on the club’s youngest star, Reggie Walsh.

The 16-year-old midfielder made headlines by becoming Chelsea’s youngest-ever starter in European competition during the second leg, just days after making his senior debut in the first leg.

Walsh, already turning heads in the England U17 setup, has made an impressive leap, joining a select list of teenagers trusted on the European stage by Chelsea’s coaching staff.

Palmer, who turned 23 this week, found himself being playfully compared to the teenage sensation.

When a journalist commented that Palmer must feel like an “old man” next to Walsh, the former Manchester City forward quickly replied with a laugh, saying, “F***ing hell, what are you then compared to Reggie?” He followed up by praising the young talent, stating, “He’s a very good player.

I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do. I’m still young myself, so I have to keep growing and growing.”

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca echoed Palmer’s sentiments after the dominant win over the Swedish side. Maresca expressed delight at Walsh’s performance and potential, saying, “You can see that he is a good player.

He is the kind of player we like—very good. He’s young and has a lot of room to grow. We’re very happy for him and his family.

He has to enjoy this moment.” The coach’s confidence in Walsh suggests that more first-team opportunities could be on the horizon.

Captain Reece James also shared his thoughts after seeing Walsh in action during an official match. “I’ve seen him in training, but games are different. This is the first time I’ve watched him play properly and I didn’t realise how good he actually was,” James admitted.

That admiration was shared by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who scored the only goal in the second leg. The midfielder emphasized the importance of guiding younger players, noting, “Reggie is 16 and he was fantastic—composed.

My job is just to tell them to play the game that got them here. What you saw was composure and calmness, and that’s a credit to the academy.”

Walsh, who joined Chelsea at the age of seven, has grown through the club’s ranks with patience and maturity. Remarkably, he was born just five months after the infamous moment when Chelsea legend John Terry missed his penalty in the 2008 Champions League final.

Now, over 16 years later, the next generation is making its mark, and Walsh appears ready to carry the club’s future hopes. His recent appearances suggest that Chelsea’s long-term investment in their youth system is continuing to bear fruit.