Arsenal have perfect answer to Reece James Chelsea return as Blues sweat on wide battle
Celebrations have been heard from the west side of London in the build-up to Arsenal’s visit to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have been plagued by injury throughout the season which has often been pointed to as an explanation for the club’s poor form.
The reason for positivity has been regarding the news that Reece James should return for Saturday’s London derby. That said, Axel Disasi might not be ready for the game having pulled out of the French national side’s games this October break.
Yet James is without a doubt a big boost to Mauricio Pochettino and should not be underestimated. Yet, the numbers would suggest that James or not, Chelsea’s record against Arsenal is not particularly great either way.
James has played five times against an Arsenal side which he famously mocked on social media replying to a fan suggesting the Gunners should make a move for the England international. A suggestion he swiftly and personally rejected to the elation of Blues supporters.
That said, in the five clashes with the Gunners he has won just once. He scored in a 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium against a depleted Arsenal side that were still reeling from a Covid-19 outbreak that had plagued the beginning of their campaign.
A 2-1 defeat in an FA Cup final was his first which was followed by the 2020/21 double – 3-1 at the Emirates and 1-0 at Stamford Bridge – before that win in north London the following August. However, the Gunners then won 4-2 in west London when the sides met again with Eddie Nketiah scoring twice and Bukayo Saka scoring a late penalty.
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