Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has declared that Chelsea "fully deserve" to be considered Premier League title contenders. As the Gunners prepare for their short trip across London to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this Sunday, Arteta is wary of the challenge that Enzo Maresca's team poses.
Arsenal enters the match following a dominant 4-1 victory over Tottenham and a significant 3-1 win against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Despite this strong form, Arteta isn't underestimating Chelsea's chances in the title race. "Well, I think we are all there and they are there because they fully deserve to be," Arteta stated. He further highlighted the quality and depth of Chelsea's squad, acknowledging the positive developments at the club.
Arteta expressed his admiration for Chelsea's style of play, noting their fluidity, threat, and individual talent. He believes Chelsea has a clear understanding of their objectives, making them a formidable opponent. "One of the teams that I enjoy the most watching and they have a lot of fluidity, they have a lot of threat, they have a lot of individual talent, they are very clear what they want to do and that's why they are very tough," Arteta said.
Despite Chelsea's current position, which sees them trailing Arsenal by a few points, Arteta insists that he always expected them to be a serious threat. He recalled watching Chelsea during pre-season and recognizing their potential to compete for the title, impressed by their talent and Maresca's tactical approach.
The Arsenal manager is ensuring his squad remains focused and respectful, fully aware that underestimating Chelsea could prove costly. He acknowledges the significance of the London derby and the opportunity it presents for his team. "Obviously it's a big game, it's a big London derby. We're going to play a really, really good opponent. They are in really good form and we know the challenge, we know the opportunity that we have as well on Sunday, so we are fully ready for it," Arteta stated.
The only concern for Arsenal is Leandro Trossard, who was forced off early against Bayern Munich with a suspected calf problem. Arteta remains hopeful that the Belgian winger could still feature against Chelsea, with a final decision pending. He remained tight-lipped regarding the availability of Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres.
The match at Stamford Bridge is crucial for both teams. For Arsenal, a victory would solidify their title aspirations and extend their lead. For Chelsea, winning against the league leaders would send a strong message about their own title credentials.
