Arsenal welcome Chelsea to the Emirates this Sunday, with the two form teams in the Premier League set to go head to head in a fixture that can be classed as one of the biggest derbies of the season.
The rivalry between the two sides has increased over the past 10 years, with Chelsea’s trophy haul moving them above the Gunners as the most feared team in the capital.
The relationship between Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho adds extra spice to this fixture, whilst the fact the Gunners know a victory will keep them in with an outside chance of the title makes this clash all the more interesting.
Another sub-plot includes the fact Wenger is yet to beat Mourinho since the special one arrived in English football.
Here we have identified five reasons why Sunday may well finally be the day.
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Click on Arsene Wenger to reveal 5 reasons why Arsenal can demolish Chelsea on Sunday
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It has to happen sooner or later!
Wenger’s record against Mourinho in all competitions currently reads played 12, won 0 – something that is frankly embarrassing for the Frenchman.
The Gunners appear to have a mental block against Jose’s side, and have lost the last two meetings against them by an aggeregate score of 8-0.
With this being the 13th meeting between the two rival bosses, you get the feeling it simply has to happen for Wenger sooner rather than later – and Sunday would be the perfect time.
Eight wins in a row
Sunday could be the moment Wenger finally breaks his dreadful run against Mourinho, as his side are currently the form team in the country.
It is eight victories in a row in the Premier League for the Gunners, whilst they were also boosted by booking their place in a second consecutive FA Cup final last weekend.
The last game at the Emirates saw the Gunners rip Liverpool apart 4-1, and the fans will expect a performance of similar quality when Chelsea arrive.
Chelsea’s form has dipped in recent weeks
Chelsea seem to be stumbling towards the title rather than rampaging towards it.
In fact Mourinho’s men have not won a game in the Premier League by more than one goal, since their 5-0 thrashing of Swansea City back in January.
Their performances have been nowhere near the level they have been since the opening months of the season, and this will be their biggest test for quite some time.
If Arsenal can manage a fast start and get the first goal, it will be interesting to see how and if Mourinho’s team manage to respond.
The Gunners know what to expect
Chelsea arrived at the Emirates just two days before Christmas last season, in a game that seemed at the time to be pivotal to the title race.
Mourinho was happy to park the bus and settle for a bore draw, and it would be no surprise to see him do something similar on Sunday.
Arsenal need to attack the game without fear, not to stand off and give Mourinho and his side too much respect as they did at the Emirates last season.
With Chelsea set to sit back, Arsenal can take advantage if they come flying out the traps and pin them back in the game early on.
A win would send out a massive statement
Arsenal fans have gotten used to seeing their team finish strongly and build up hope for next season, only to be left disappointed.
But the way in which the team has been playing since the turn of the year should give the supporters genuine hope for next season, whilst a win on Sunday would send out a massive statement.
Mourinho’s record against Wenger stands at seven wins and five draws from 12 matches. If Wenger can make it a lucky 13, it will not only boost the Gunners hopes of a title upset in the final month of the season, but also give the side a massive boost heading into the next campaign – and the importance of that cannot be underestimated.
