The Gunners are set to visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday for a crucial Premier League showdown against Chelsea. ..Continue Reading
Arsenal is coming off two consecutive losses, first to Newcastle in the league and then to Inter Milan in the Champions League, leaving them aware that they need a strong performance to stay in the title race.
Their recent dip in form has seen Arsenal go without a league win since their 3-1 victory over Southampton in early October, dropping them to fifth in the standings and putting them seven points behind Liverpool, the current leaders.
Chelsea will be a tough opponent, having only lost once in their last nine league games since their opening weekend loss to Manchester City.
The Blues, with a strong attacking lineup, are hoping that Palmer, who has been recovering from an injury, will be available for the match.
The England international has impressed with seven goals and five assists in just 10 league appearances this season, and he is certainly a key consideration for Arteta as the game approaches.
He told reporters: “That’s a question that all the managers in the league have had and he’s still managed to impact games. We will have a plan for Cole and all their threats, and to exploit their weaknesses.”
Arteta went on to speak about his side’s desire to return to winning ways, adding: “There is nobody in this room or outside who wants to win more than I do or the players do. That is impossible.
“I sense a big belief in what we do as a team. They are paying attention, they are hungry and they want to work. Their desire is unbelievable. They are a joy to work with.”
Arteta is unbeaten in all five of his Premier League away games as Arsenal manager versus Chelsea, winning three and drawing two.
The Gunners will return to action after the international break against Nottingham Forest, while Chelsea will face manager Enzo Maresca’s former side Leicester.
