Arsenal 5-0 Chelsea - Premier League: Live score, team news and updates as Kai Havertz nets TWICE against his old club as Gunners stretch clear at the top

Just look at these ratings.

There were many impressive performances within the Arsenal ranks today, but none better than these three right here.

Martin Odegaard was the standout for me, my player of the match, he was simply sensational.

The two assists don't do Odegaard justice, he put on a passing clinic tonight, splitting Chelsea open at will.

Both Ben White and Kai Havertz were exceptional as well, their two goals each propelled them up to their high ratings, but they did so much more than just score.

A night they will remember.

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, speaking to TNT Sports:

Very happy with the win, with the amount of chances and goals we scored. With the clean sheet as well, it shows consistency. We weren't disciplined enough with some stuff we did in the first half and we needed to be more disciplined and we did that in the second half.

It is a big London derby and we know what it means for the fans. We will enjoy it and rest and get ready for the next one. What I would like is that the players can manage themselves in the dressing room. You have to leave them some space. They know what they are playing for. That's what holds the team together.

My role is to demand them and also in the right moments make them believe they can do it. We have a lot of games coming up. Let's enjoy tonight and let's go back to work.

Chelsea fans, look away...

These statistics are pretty damning for the Blues, Arsenal pretty much had shooting practice tonight.

27 shots, 10 on target, five goals. A good night's work for the Gunners.

I can't believe that Chelsea had the most possession, it doesn't feel right.

They didn't do too much with it second half.

The second half was Arsenal at their clinical best.

After struggling to input their chances away in the first period, it felt like every shot they had went in the back of the net during a 20-minute period.

Ben White started and finished the exceptional spree of goals, while Kai Havertz also grabbed two against his former side.

Arsenal fans, if you look between the Q and the E on your keyboards, that's what your team got tonight...

Sorry, I had to. Now, enjoy the goals (not if you're a Chelsea fan).

What a night for Arsenal.

While Manchester City still have their destiny in their own hands with two games in hand, Arsenal will like the sight of the table, right now.

I said it before and I will say it again, it's better to have points on the board than games in hand.

They have responded to their defeat to Aston Villa well, with two wins and two clean sheets. They now sit three points clear of Liverpool and four of City, with the other two yet to play.

The race is still on.

Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea boss, speaking to TNT Sports:

In the first half, we competed after 10-15 minutes. We said at half-time that we could not start the second half in the way we started the first.

We didn't compete and we weren't clinical today. It's not nice to see your team play like this from the beginning of the game when you are meant to have energy. We can not say that [Cole Palmer] was the reason we lost the game. Today it was more than that, we didn't compete from the beginning.

Now it's difficult to see the future because after this game we feel disappointed. If we compete like Saturday then ok, but if we compete like we did today, do I think we deserve to go to Europe? No.

It's fair to say, Chelsea's defence is very poor.

As soon as that second goal went in, they capitulated. Mauricio Pochettino's three changes in defence did not go to plan.

With the five they conceded tonight, Chelsea have now let in 57 goals in the Premier League this season.

That's the most they have conceded in a single campaign in the competition overtaking their 55 from both the 1994-95 and 1996-97 seasons.

There are still six games left to play...

In short, all I want to say is...wow.

Arsenal were exceptional tonight, predominantly in that second half, they blew Chelsea away with four goals in 18 minutes.

At one point I was wondering if they would rue their missed chances - there were many - but suddenly every shot on goal they had went in.

This Gunners side is ruthless and look like they have their mojo back after losing it for a few games.

They are in it to win it.

This is the look of a dejected man.

Chelsea came into tonight on the back of an eight-match unbeaten Premier League run, that was brutally ended tonight.

Pochettino has not been a fan of the Emirates in the past, he's never won a league match there, and that streak got made a lot worse tonight.

His players certainly didn't respond to his call showing them to prove they aren't 'Cole Palmer FC'.

Even if Palmer was available though, he wouldn't have changed their defensive incompetence.

A lot to think about for Poch.

That was Kai Havertz at his very best.

The German international showed how he felt about his former side Chelsea with his celebrations. He's a very happy man in north London.

Havertz has been in sensational form of late, he took his two goals expertly today, which takes him to seven from his last 10 games.

I think it's fair to say he's proved his doubters wrong.

Oliver Holt, Mail Sport Chief Sports Writer, at the Emirates Stadium:

Arsenal: so much for the choke.

Perfectly said.

Chelsea's nightmare night has come to an end.

That was a sensational second half of football, simply scintillating from the Gunners.

Braces from former Chelsea man Kai Havertz and the unlikely source of Ben White means Chelsea leave north London with their tails between their legs.

Many questioned the Gunners' mentality after their loss to Aston Villa, I think they have proved tonight that they will fight until the very end.

An incredible result for them, but for Chelsea, that does no good for their chances of Europe.

It was a game that encapsulated where both clubs are at the moment.

Arsenal should have six!

Gabriel Martinelli races through on goal, and looks like he is going to score, but sends a bending effort one-on-one straight at Dorde Petrovic.

Luckily, it's not like they needed another.

The Chelsea away end is practically empty.

It has been a horrible, horrible night for them. Their team has truly let them down tonight.

At least they don't have to travel too far to get home.

Kieran Gill, Mail Sport, at the Emirates Stadium:

Arsenal fans around us now ole'ing every pass that Chelsea manage to cobble together... that's how bad it's got for the visitors.

That's not the number Chelsea wanted to see. It's almost cruel.

Can Arsenal get a few more?

Now it's the turn of Gabriel Martinelli to have a go.

It comes from yet another Chelsea mistake as Raheem Sterling gives it straight to Fabio Viera, who then heads it into the path of Martinelli.

The substitute then smashes an effort just wide of the post, but Declan Rice is not happy, he wanted the pass.

I mean, you're 5-0 up Declan, let him go for goal!

I thought that was in!

I said Fabio Viera would want a goal, and he very nearly just got one there.

The arsenal substitute is given so much time and space by the Chelsea defenders, so he just goes for goal on the edge of the area.

His strike comes off the side netting and some of the Arsenal fans, like me, think its in the back of the net.

Oh, Chelsea, look what you are doing to your fans.

They have given nothing in this second half, they have been truly woeful. Arsenal have done as they please.

The Chelsea fans aren't happy, just look at this youngster's sign.

Oh, Gabriel Jesus, that is naughty!

The Arsenal substitute plays a lovely backheel into the path of Declan Rice, who then sends a strike back off the post.

However, he is offside by some margin. That doesn't mean the pass is not sensational though, very cheeky.

Maybe Arsenal want more than five...

Want another substitution post, well, you're getting one.

Bukayo Saka's night is up, and Fabio Viera comes on to replace him - he will want to get in on the act.

In all honesty, not much is going on now at the Emirates. Arsenal are content.

Right, the game has actually calmed down now.

Mauricio Pochettino has decided to make another substitution, I think he just wants to give some of his fringe players a run-out.

Cesare Casadei is on for Noni Madueke, while Thiago Silva is on for young Alfie Gilchrist.

Noni Madueke doesn't seem to have given up.

The winger tests David Raya, but can't find the back of the net. The rest of the players look down and out though.

This could still get a lot worse.

They have just shown the replay of Mikel Arteta's reaction to the fifth, he can't believe it, he holds his hands to his head.

Anyway, he has just made four substitutions following the goal, with Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel Martinelli, Jorginho, and Gabriel Jesus coming on.

Kai Havertz won't be scoring a hat-trick, he is one of the four that makes way.

Oh dear Chelsea, even Ben White has a brace now...

When I predicted it could get messy, I was right. It's a lovely finish from Ben White as he sort of volleys/lobs Dorde Petrovic at the back post.

Once again, the defending is left to be desired by Chelsea, they have fallen apart at the Emirates.

I can't believe I am saying this, but Ben White is on a hat-trick.

This one may be a little late, Mauricio...

Chelsea make a double change as Raheem Sterling and Trevoh Chalobah come on for Mykhailo Mudryk and Enzo Fernandez.

Sterling's first involvement is to send a free-kick straight into the arms of David Raya.

It's Kai Havertz again!

Once again, it's a beautiful finish by Havertz as he pulls the ball back into the near post off the woodwork. Dorde Petrovic didn't move.

However, Chelsea's defending is extremely questionable, they hardly put up a fight there.

This time Havertz didn't celebrate too much, maybe he feels sorry for his old side...

Guess what? Nicolas Jackson has missed again.

He does so well, takes a lovely touch to get a clear sight of goal from close range, but he fires into the side-netting.

I'm not sure how he hasn't scored that.

Kai Havertz did not hold back on the celebration, by the way.

He seemed ecstatic to score against his old club, gleaming before a huge kneeslide into the corner.

I wonder how Chelsea fans feel about that...

Kai Havertz scores against his old club!

What a lovely finish from the former Chelsea man. Martin Odegaard once again floats a lovely ball over the top for Havertz to run onto, and the forward stays strong to fire past Dorde Petrovic.

Chelsea want a VAR check for a potential foul on Noni Madueke in the build-up, but the incident is cleared quickly.

This could get very messy now.

The Emirates was flat in the first few minutes of the second period, not anymore.

The nerves have changed to euphoria, they are singing their hearts out now. It's very loud.

The Arsenal players seem more relaxed, Chelsea are now all over the place!

A huge, huge goal for Arsenal!

The Gunners needed the second goal, and after so many chances they finally have it through the unlikely source of Ben White.

Arsenal work a corner well and Declan Rice has a shot which is deflected into the path of White, and he bends the ball home.

It's the finish of a striker, simply lovely!

Another chance goes begging!

Once again, Martin Odegaard sees a pass that no one else in the stadium can. He slides in a reverse ball for Kai Havertz, who fires it straight at Dorde Petrovic from a tight angle.

I am in awe of the Arsenal captain, he is sensational.

I was just about to say Arsenal were looking sluggish!

Just as I was typing it, the Gunners break forward through Declan Rice, they are three-on-two, but the midfielder goes alone.

He lets fly a strong strike, but Dorde Petrovic gets down low to save well.

So, can Chelsea find their shooting boots then? Arsenal will be hoping they can't.

In truth, they need a second otherwise this could be a tricky 45 minutes for the Gunners.

Anyway, the ball is back rolling in north London.

The goals have been flowing for Arsenal this season.

For a team that requires a clinical number nine, the Gunners are doing rather well in the goals-scoring department.

In 2024 they have been especially prolific, and Leandro Trossard's first-half strike was their 100th goal of the campaign, so far.

Kieran Gill, Mail Sport, at the Emirates Stadium:

Nicolas Jackson is an enigma. He does certain things so well, like that one charge down the left all on his own which eventually earned a corner. But then he messes up a simple chance, like when that cross was made for his head. With the added bonus of the fact he probably should have been red-carded via VAR but wasn’t even yellow-carded, so avoided picking up his 10th caution of the season which would’ve earned him a two-game ban. Sums up this Chelsea team in a way - the potential is there, but the product is not.

Oliver Holt, Mail Sport Chief Sports Writer, at the Emirates Stadium:

Arsenal have the lead but the game has been so open that there were mumbles of concern from the home crowd as the teams walked off at half-time. If Chelsea could finish, they would be level here but they can't. Still, even a stopped clock is right twice a day and even Nicolas Jackson might score if Arsenal keep giving Chelsea chances.

Mikel Arteta could not have wished for a better start.

Leandro Trossard has been pivotal lately for Arsenal, and following on from his big goal against Wolves on Saturday, he scored another here.

As you can see, it was a lovely finish, but maybe Dorde Petrovic could have done better to stop it.

Kieran Gill, Mail Sport, at the Emirates Stadium:

Nicolas Jackson often Chelsea's only outlet in that first half. Lucky to avoid red via VAR for that foul on Takehiro Tomiyasu. Luckier still he wasn’t even yellow carded as needs to avoid a 10th caution tonight to escape two-game ban (next two fixtures: Aston Villa and Tottenham)

Arsenal go into half-time in the driving seat.

You wouldn't guess it though from the atmosphere inside the Emirates, it's flat as a pancake as the whistle is blown for the break.

It didn't start off that way though when Leandro Trossard fired them into the lead after four minutes.

You felt this could be the start of a long night for Chelsea, and if it wasn't for Dorde Petrovic they could have conceded more as Arsenal sent a barrage of shots on goal.

However, things started to change after 25 minutes. Chelsea grew in confidence and had some chances of their own. Arsenal started to struggle.

The nerves are there for all to see in north London.

Marc Cucurella is involved again, this time he is on the end of a poor challenge.

The goalscorer, Leandro Trossard goes in late on the Spaniard and plants his foot on his ankle. He gets a yellow card for it.

Then Mikel Arteta is also shown a yellow for his reaction.

There it is, Marc Cucurella goes into the book.

It didn't take long for Cucrella to get a yellow card after this outburst, he doesn't get away with a tug on Bukayo Saka.

Once again, he's not the happiest man in the Emirates.

Oh, Nicolas Jackson...

The Chelsea striker has a huge chance to pull Chelsea level. Conor Gallagher whips in a brilliant ball that is set to land straight on his head.

However, Jackson is scared he is going to be hit by Gabriel so puts his arm by his face...

It means David Raya has an easy save and then it's given handball. He had to be braver.

Arsenal should thank David Raya profusely there...

The Spaniard rushes out of his goalline to thwart a teasing Enzo Fernandez cross.

If he had stayed in his goal, I'm certain Conor Gallagher would have turned that home.

They've had a few of those moments, Chelsea.

Marc Cucurella is furious that a throw-in has gone Arsenal's way. I'm not sure why, it obviously came off his chest.

I'm surprised he wasn't booked for his reaction, he went absolutely nuts. Like an angry child.

That shot was not at the standard of the other chances we have had.

Bukayo Saka sees his name in lights and has a go for goal from deep. It goes miles over.

Stick to the lovely build-up play, Arsenal...

Chelsea come so close to biting back!

Noni Madueke delivers a teasing pass across the box which lands at Marc Cucurella's feet. He goes for goal but Ben White puts in a great block.

The ball then comes back out to Enzo Fernandez who drags a low drive narrowly wide of the post.

That means we have had 16 shots between the sides inside 30 minutes!

Martin Odegaard is just so good at football.

He slides in a deft pass to Kai Havertz that no one can see before Bukayo Saka forces a save from Dorde Petrovic.

The Chelsea goalkeeper then makes two brilliant saves from Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard.

The first from Havertz is good, but the one from Trossard is exceptional, it was from point-blank range after it came off Axel Disasi!

Nearly an Arsenal own goal!

After being under the cosh, Nicolas Jackson burns past William Saliba before trying to put the ball across the area.

He fires it straight into Gabriel and it hits the outside of the post. That could have gone anywhere.

Jackson is looking like Chelsea's best outlet.

Enzo Fernandez has just been sold a bus ticket to west London.

The Argentine is turned beautifully by Declan Rice before the Arsenal man lets fly from distance. It goes close but just whistles over the bar.

Fernandez won't want to watch that one back...

Axel Disasi has to score!

Once again a tantalising ball is whipped into the area, this time from a Mykhailo Mudryk free-kick.

Benoit Badiashile flicks the ball on at the front post, but Disasi somehow doesn't get his boot to it.

Any contact and the game is all square. Chelsea are growing into the game and the Emirates is getting nervous.

That was Chelsea's best moment so far.

The Blues have struggled to get forward so far, but Conor Gallagher fires in a lovely ball across the face of goal for Noni Madueke, but he can't get a touch on it.

A fraction later and that would have been a golden chance for Chelsea to equalise.

What a ball by Martin Odegaard.

The Arsenal captain floats a lovely cross into the back post for Takehiro Tomiyasu to attack, but his head goes over the bar.

I love the way Odegaard passes the ball, could watch it all day, in truth.

Kai Havertz, why didn't you shoot?

Arsenal are ripping Chelsea to shreds in the early minutes here, and Havertxz should have just put them 2-0 up.

Inside the area with the option to shoot, the German forward decides to pass and it is cleared by Moises Caicedo.

I simply don't understand why he didn't pull the trigger.

Oooooh, Nicolas Jackson.

The Chelsea striker leaves a nasty one on Takehiro Tomiyasu, it wasn't pretty.

Earlier in the season, that would have been given as a red card. A lucky boy.

That was Leandro Trossard's 10th goal in the league this season, his highest tally to date.

He will continue to keep Gabriel Martinelli out of the side as long as he keeps up this form. Clinical.

He's given them the perfect start.

The man for the big occasion delivers again!

Leandro Trossard is in red-hot form, and he has found the back of the net within the opening five minutes.

It's a lovely goal, Declan Rice had the Chelsea defence backpedalling before sliding through Trossard, who fires it in at the near post.

You fear this could be a long night for Chelsea, already.

Benoit Badiashile you are a lucky man.

Kai Havertz is sent in behind in the opening seconds by Ben White and is then brought down by the Chelsea defender in the box.

However, the flag is up for offside. If it wasn't I think that would have been a penalty.

A fast start!

'North London forever' is belted out by the Arsenal fans and now we are underway at the Emirates.

There is so much at stake tonight for both clubs, neither side can afford to drop any points, especially Arsenal.

A huge night.

Oliver Holt, Mail Sport Chief Sports Writer, at the Emirates Stadium:

All the pre-match talk is about the absence of Cole Palmer, who has pretty much Chelsea's only redeeming feature this season. Chelsea's misfortune should be Arsenal's opportunity. Mikel Arteta's side has to win tonight to stay in with a chance of winning the league.

The Emirates has filled up very quickly, and the atmosphere is bubbling.

There are some very serious faces in the tunnel as they come out to a roar from the Arsenal crowd.

Sadly, we now have to listen to the Premier League anthem... If you follow my live blogs a lot, you'll know my dislike for it.

Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea boss, speaking to TNT Sports:

We need to move on [from FA Cup semi-final]. We are disappointed after the semi-final but in football, it can stop you thinking and moving forward. And another opportunity to get back to it.

It is difficult [not having Cole Palmer]. It is not always easy to replace a player who is doing well for us. But yes, I was saying yesterday we need to know how we need to play and players can be unavailable. It can happen.

Is anybody else getting very excited?

Both sides have gone through the motions in warm-up and now we are ready for the real deal.

The Emirates is still looking quite empty though, we are just over 10 minutes from kick-off...

They'll need the best atmosphere they can make tonight.

Rio Ferdinand, former Manchester United defender, on TNT Sports:

He [Kai Havertz] offers versatility, if you're trying to win things you need players to slip into different positions. His movement and his understanding of space - and the players around him - is one of his main strengths. Now, he is starting to add some important goals this season. When Arsenal have needed a goal in crucial moments, he has been able to step up for them.

Kai Havertz, the player who won Chelsea the Champions League in 2021.

Well, tonight he starts against them in the red jersey of Arsenal, and he has been enjoying his time there recently.

Havertz has rightly earned praise for his recent performances, after a slow start, he has finally settled into life in north London.

Can he inflict pain on his former side tonight?

Kieran Gill, Mail Sport, at the Emirates Stadium:

Mauricio Pochettino used to hate it when Tottenham were called ‘the Harry Kane team’ - he had a right royal pop at Pep Guardiola for branding them that once upon a time - and he heads into tonight off the back of accusations that they’re ‘Cole Palmer Football Club’.

With no Palmer, it’s over to the supporting cast to show they can handle him not being with them. I have a strange feeling that Mykhailo Mudryk could have an impact, but let’s see.

Reports today that Chelsea are definitely set to stick with Pochettino next season are premature. There’s a summer review planned of the situation and the next week - Arsenal tonight, then Aston Villa, then Tottenham - will tell us more about where he stands.

It's a huge night for Nicolas Jackson.

With Cole Palmer out through illness, the pressure is heightened on the striker to deliver the goods for Chelsea tonight.

He scored against Everton in his last Premier League outing, and my word, it was a lovely goal.

Chelsea will need him to pull out something similar tonight if they are to have a chance tonight.

Anonymous: With this Chelsea team minus Cole Palmer, let's see if Arsenal can get close to the 6-0 whopping Chelsea gave them on Wengers 1000th game for them.

People are predicting a long night for Chelsea...

I bet Alfie Gilchrist beamed from ear to ear when he was told he would be starting tonight.

The 20-year-old full-back is set to make his first Premier League start for Chelsea tonight after eight substitute appearances.

Gilchrist grew up a Blues fan and has come through their academy, now he gets his big chance on the biggest stage.

We saw his celebration when he scored his first goal for the club against Everton last week, he is extremely passionate.

I imagine he will bring that tonight.

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, speaking to TNT Sports:

There is no time, and no room for complacency. We know we will have to be really good to earn the right to beat this team and keep fighting.

After the defeat we had here against Villa and the run we had winning 10 out of 11, we were still not top. We have to keep fighting.

No Cole Palmer then, Blues fans may hope they don't get a penalty...

If they do, who will take it? I think we will see a Royal Rumble-style fight if they are awarded one.

Noni Madueke? Nicolas Jackson? Any other takers?

I imagine whoever gets the nod would be under immense pressure!

Did any of you expect to see Thomas Partey starting tonight?

The Arsenal midfielder has found time on the pitch hard to come by this season, it's only his second league start in eight months.

He's missed the majority of this season through injury, but now is his chance to make a statement.

He was pivotal for them last season, can he show that form again tonight.

Here is the confirmation, no Cole Palmer for Chelsea.

Mykhailo Mudryk is indeed the man who gets the nod to replace him tonight, he's one of four changes from their FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City.

Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, and Alfie Gilchrist are the other three changes, a new look defence.

It's a big night for Thomas Partey!

Mikel Arteta has made two changes to the Arsenal side that came out 2-0 winners against Wolves on Saturday.

Partey is one of those, he comes in for Gabriel Jesus as Kai Havertz moves back up top.

Takehiro Tomiyasu is also fit to start, Jakub Kiwior drops to the bench.

Anonymous: No Palmer, no hope…play Mudryk behind Jackson, Sterling on left, Madueke on right, drop Enzo Fernandez, and move Gallagher alongside Caicedo.

This Chelsea fan knows what they want to see, but they certainly aren't confident...

The Chelsea team have arrived to do battle with Arsenal.

The players are looking steely-eyed and focused as they enter the dressing room, ready for the big night ahead.

However, according to reports, one member of the squad did not come off the team bus - Cole Palmer. He must still be feeling the effects of his illness.

It will be interesting to see Chelsea's side, who will start?

Arsenal have been by far and away the hardest side to break down in the Premier League this season.

Mikel Arteta's side have kept 15 clean sheets in the league, five more than any other team. They also have seven in their last 10 league matches.

The Chelsea forwards could have a tough night in store for them at the Emirates.

However, Aston Villa did show the Gunners can be got at...

The Gunners are in the building.

Look at the smiles on all of their faces, they certainly look happy to be back home after their win at Wolves.

I always wonder if players should look more relaxed or focused before a game? I guess every person is different.

Will they be smiling come 10pm?

Right, it's time that we hear from you.

If Cole Palmer is indeed unfit to face Arsenal tonight, who should come into the Chelsea starting line-up to replace him?

Could Mauricio Pochettino play Conor Gallagher behind the striker and bring in Mykhailo Mudryk on the left? What about Raheem Sterling?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea boss, speaking on Monday:

It is a good challenge if [Cole] Palmer is not available tomorrow. It’s a good challenge for his teammates or those in a similar position. If I were them, I would be motivated to go there tomorrow and show that this is Chelsea Football Club, not Cole Palmer Football Club.

Chelsea fans, I know this is something you didn’t want to have to see again.

Cole Palmer, by far Chelsea’s standout player this season, is unlikely to feature tonight against Arsenal due to ‘illness’, Mauricio Pochettino revealed yesterday.

It’s a major blow to the Blues, who have relied on Palmer on numerous occasions throughout the campaign. He always seems to dig them out of a hole.

The 21-year-old has had a sensational season, one many people didn’t expect, he’s netted 20 Premier League goals so far and sits top of the scoring charts alongside former Manchester City teammate, Erling Haaland. Palmer has also bagged a nifty nine league assists this campaign.

It’s fair to say he will be a miss if he is not involved this evening, but Mauricio Pochettino sees it as a chance for other members of the squad to step up.

You’ll see what the Chelsea boss had to say in the next post…

The Emirates Stadium is not a happy hunting ground for Chelsea boss, Mauricio Pochettino.

The Argentinian manager has been involved in several high-octane matches with the Gunners at their stomping ground, mainly during his time as the boss of their bitter rivals Tottenham.

However, Pochettino has never actually won a Premier League game on any of his visits to the Emirates with Southampton or Spurs, drawing four and losing three of his seven matches there.

I bet he thinks it’s time for that statistic to be rewritten.

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, speaking on Monday:

There is so much at stake. We will try to be as fresh as possible but certainly, I think we can cope with that. When I saw them this morning, I had to stop them because winning is a big boost of energy. After winning against Wolves and having to play a London derby everyone is ready. We have to think and feel that we are fresh to play in the best possible way.

On how Mauricio Pochettino influenced him:

For sure. One of the most, I would say. I was 17 or 18 years old in Paris, I was thrown into Paris and it was in January, I think, with no experience of professional football and he doesn’t like me saying it, but he was like a father to me.

He took me under his arm, he gave me incredible advice, he really helped me, he inspired me and I learned so much from our two years there together and, from there, we maintained that relationship. I knew he was going to be a coach; I admire him a lot for what he’s done in his career and he’s always someone that I look to because he was really impactful for me probably at the most important stage of my professional career.

I know many of you think the title race is already over, but don’t count your chickens just yet.

This week is another pivotal week in the race for English football’s top prize as all three sides play twice. Any more slip-ups from Arsenal or Liverpool and it may be over.

With their win away at Wolves on Saturday night, the Gunners returned to the Premier League summit, due to Manchester City’s exploits in the FA Cup.

Arsenal are currently level on points with Liverpool but have a better goal difference, and with three points tonight, they will go three clear at the top, and four ahead of City. However, Pep Guardiola’s side will have two games in hand.

You know what they say though, sometimes it’s better to have the points in the bag.

I warned you, there are more coming.

Chelsea have been hit in the face by several blows this season, and when they were 11th in the table just a few weeks ago, battered and bruised from a brutal season.

However, it seems like their cut man has worked some magic in between fights because Mauricio Pochettino’s men are on an eight-match unbeaten run, winning four of those games.

Their turn-up in form has propelled them back into contention for a place in the Europa Conference League next season, something not many foresaw last month.

Tonight, they face a huge battle with heavy-hitters Arsenal, who they have not laid a glove on too many times in recent years. They’ll be hoping that changes tonight.

Right, I’ve made my point now. That’s the end of the boxing puns… I promise.

When I typed the sub-heading, I imagined it in the voice of Michael Buffer.

In the red corner, we have Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal who are still looking to throw haymakers in their pursuit of Premier League glory.

The Gunners still have a fighting chance of lifting the title come the end of the campaign, but they will need to land a knockout blow on Chelsea tonight if they are to stay in the hunt.

Many people thought their race was run after their 2-0 loss to Aston Villa last time out at the Emirates, but I think those opinions were rather premature.

There seems to be renewed optimism that the three-way scrap for the title is still ongoing after the Gunners' 2-0 win over Wolves and Liverpool’s 3-1 victory at Fulham. The fight’s not over yet.

I apologise for all the boxing puns, but just like Arsenal’s title hopes, they aren’t quite finished.

I know there are a lot of London derbies in the Premier League, but this has to be one of the biggest.

Both Arsenal and Chelsea aren’t particularly fond of each other, and an Arsenal fan I know just reminded me of his very strong dislike for the Blues…

I remember the days when both sides were battling for titles with the likes of Thierry Henry coming up against John Terry, what a battle that was.

The game might not be quite as impactful on the league anymore as back in the day, but it’s still a must-watch.

Arsenal should bring the game to Chelsea, the pressure is on them after all and they are the favourites, but Chelsea certainly have the attacking prowess to cause them problems.

I’m already licking my lips at the prospect of this match, and I bet both sides are feeling the same. I’m sure the fans might not be feeling so excited though, I bet the nerves are starting to appear.

Just the two hours to go!

As The Clash sing in their 1979 classic, London’s calling.

A huge evening in the capital is in store tonight as each point means more than ever in the battle for the title and Europe.

Arsenal are still well and truly in this three-pronged title race, and if they are to fight Manchester City until the very end, nothing less than three points will do tonight.

The Gunners face a Chelsea side who are in a fight of their own, as they battle for a place in Europe next season. Three points for the Blues would see them leapfrog Manchester United into seventh.

There is so much on the line this time of the season, and I’m sure we will see that in the performances from both sides. Every night is a huge one during the run-in.

Right, I can’t wait any longer, let’s get this show on the road!