In London, not every football derby is the same. The city has a lot of football teams and oftentimes these ones face each other. Among the most popular of them there is a single match-up that usually stands out, given the status of the two teams: Arsenal against Chelsea. Gunners and Blues always compete for the title and the match between them can end up as decisive, for the final victory in the English Premier League.

With Arsenal apparently unstoppable at the top of the Premier League, the derby against Chelsea on February 28 at the Emirates promises to be epic. For true Gooners, the build-up to the game is the perfect time to take advantage of coral: bet £10, get £40 that gives you £40 in free bets after placing just £10 on Arsenal winning. It’s a nice chance to try the feeling of betting on your team without having to worry too much about losing money.

What happened last time

The last time Arsenal and Chelsea played one another was in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. The Gunners won both legs, defeating the home team in Stamford Bridge (2-3, on January 14) and winning at home (1-0, on February 3). The two matches were intense, especially the second one, and it is possible that there is still some tension and animosity between the two sides. The Blues were eliminated by a Kai Havertz’s score at minute 97 and their defender Fofana bursted down in tears while the Gunners were celebrating their first final since 2020. Strong and mixed feelings like these may very well carry over to the next meeting.

Two different visions of football

 In the history of this rivalry, Arsenal won 86 games to Chelsea’s 66. The two teams drew 62 times. What’s more curious is that these two teams don’t consider themselves primary rivals. However, since they are two of the biggest and most successful clubs in London, it is not a surprise how often they meet in different competitions.

The two teams have some differences when it comes to playing style. Arsenal is a more versatile team, capable of switching schemes and formation very quickly. Mikel Arteta molded a team that expresses the best football in Europe and is amazing to watch, because of the way it plays on the pitch, closes its schemes and creates scoring chances. Chelsea is somewhat difficult to comprehend, because it just changed managers. Based on what we have seen all season long, their key player is Cole Palmer, who wears the jersey number 10 for a reason. The opponents always devise a plan to contain the talented player, but he often breaks free and creates chances to score goals.

Players to watch

 Palmer is obviously a player to watch in the upcoming clash for Chelsea, but he is not the only one. Another midfielder that could say his piece is Enzo Fernandez, who can do everything his position requires him to do. Reece James, who plays close to Enzo, is a more traditional skipper and will be needed to assist his teammates and take the right decisions when the Gunners have the ball.

Looking at the favourite team, Arsenal has a solid defense where Piero Hincapie is emerging as one of the best in front of his goalie: he can tackle and is able to jump-start his offense by serving them amazing passes. Declan Rice is the true engine of the team, in midfield, while the attackers can count on Viktor Gyokeres and his neverending scoring or on the intuitions of Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino.

It will be a wild match between the league leaders and the Blues, who sit fifth in the English Premier League and would love to overtake some competition and climb up, in order to reach, at least, a direct qualification in next year’s UEFA Champions League.

On Online Gooner we can’t wait for this big match, one that could cement Arsenal’s leadership and represent another step towards an EPL triumph for the Gunners. We will be ready with our reactions as soon as the clash concludes.