Pre-match review

Arsenal were once again criticised in their most recent game when their wall was deemed too far out of bounds when Bruno Fernandes took a classy free-kick to give United the opening goal in last weekend's clash. Goalkeeper David Raya was also left with no excuse for his lack of confidence in the goal.

Arsenal's attack continued to look deadlocked and almost unable to respond to Fernandes' goal, until near the end of the match when Declan Rice fired a shot from outside the box, helping Arsenal end a two-match scoreless streak in the Premier League and bring home a valuable point from Old Trafford .

However, with Liverpool winning at Southampton the day before, the 15-point gap at the top of the table is now almost unbridgeable. Mikel Arteta also appeared frustrated and refused to discuss the title race in his post-match interview at Old Trafford.

In the Champions League, Arsenal played out a dramatic 2-2 draw with PSV Eindhoven in the second leg of their last-16 tie. However, the draw did not affect Arsenal's place in the quarter-finals after a 7-1 thrashing in the first leg. Now, the Gunners look forward to an exciting clash with Real Madrid next month, but for now they must focus on avoiding a disappointing milestone at the Emirates .

Arsenal have not lost consecutive London derbies at the Emirates since moving to the Emirates in 2006. However, a 1-0 defeat to West Ham in their most recent home game means they are in danger of losing the derby for the first time, ahead of their next game against Chelsea.

Like Arsenal, Chelsea have been receiving a lot of criticism, especially for the somewhat passive playing style applied by coach Enzo Maresca . This was clearly shown in the matches against Leicester City and Copenhagen.

Despite winning both those games, the Blues were not dominant. They needed Marc Cucurella's superb long-range strike to beat Leicester in the previous round of the Premier League, before Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored the only goal to see Chelsea through to Copenhagen in the last 16 of the Conference League.

Form, head-to-head history

Even a top-four finish is now far from assured for Arsenal, who have failed to win their last three Premier League games. Arteta's side have also only won two of their last seven games in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are on a four-match winning streak in all competitions. However, apart from a 4-0 win over struggling Southampton, their other wins have not been convincing. Therefore, the Blues' place in the top four is still not guaranteed.

Chelsea have lost three consecutive away games in the Premier League and are winless in their last six away games since a thrilling 4-3 win over Tottenham in December. Coincidentally, they are also on a six-game winless run against Arsenal in the Premier League, despite a fine performance in the first leg at Stamford Bridge to earn a draw.

Force information

Arsenal are without Takehiro Tomiyasu, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus through injury, while Raheem Sterling is ineligible.

Meanwhile, Chelsea will be without Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu, Noni Madueke and Omari Kellyman through injury, while Mykhaylo Mudryk is suspended. Malo Gusto is a doubt.

Expected lineup:

Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Martinelli, Trossard

Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo , Fernandez; Sancho, Palmer, Nkunku; Neto

Score prediction: Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea

Source: https://tienphong.vn/nhan-dinh-arsenal-vs-chelsea-20h30-ngay-163-phao-thu-vuot-ai-gian-nan-post1725373.tpo