Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has emphatically stated that Chelsea are fully deserving of their status as genuine Premier League title contenders ahead of their crucial London derby this Sunday.
Title Race Credentials Acknowledged
The Gunners' boss, whose side currently lead the table, made the short trip across the capital to face a Chelsea team sitting in second place. Arteta dismissed any suggestion that the Blues should not be considered part of the championship conversation.
"Well, I think we are all there and they are there because they fully deserve to be," Arteta stated. He elaborated, praising the squad assembled at Stamford Bridge, their quality, and the positive environment cultivated there in recent years.
Arteta went further, highlighting Chelsea as "one of the teams that I enjoy the most watching" due to their fluidity, threat, and clear tactical identity, which he believes makes them a very tough opponent.
Team News and Injury Updates
The build-up to the derby has been overshadowed by fitness concerns for Arsenal. The midweek 3-1 Champions League victory over Bayern Munich saw Leandro Trossard substituted early with a suspected calf issue.
However, Arteta provided a positive update, indicating the Belgian forward could still feature. "There is a potential chance, yeah," the manager said, noting that Trossard would undergo a late test.
The status of forwards Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres remains less certain, with Arteta describing them as "getting closer and closer" but non-committal on their availability for the weekend. Gabriel Jesus, despite stepping up his comeback, will not be ready for the trip to Stamford Bridge.
Arteta Responds to Kimmich Criticism
Following the impressive win against Bayern, Arteta also responded to comments from opposition midfielder Joshua Kimmich, who claimed Paris St Germain were the best team they had faced and that Arsenal "rely on set-pieces."
Arteta laughed off the critique, offering a tactical explanation for the German's perception. "I think the game they played against PSG was very similar... I know what he's saying, so that's fine," he said with a smile, adding, "It's part of the game."
With a 4-1 thrashing of Tottenham and the statement victory over Bayern already under their belt this week, Arsenal head into the derby in formidable form, fully aware of the significant challenge and opportunity that awaits them at Stamford Bridge.
