CHELSEA and Arsenal have produced some memorable matches over the years and the London sides meet once again at Stamford Bridge this weekend.
The two sides have been ever-presents in the Premier League era, meaning there have been plenty of games between the two giants over the last three decades.
Ahead of the game, we have put together a list of the top five league fixtures during the Premier League era between the London giants.
5. Chelsea 6-0 Arsenal – March 2014
It was an anniversary to forget for Gunners manager Arsene Wenger, as his 1000th game in charge of the club ended in a humiliating defeat for his side.
A month prior to the game, the Frenchman had been branded a ‘specialist in failure’ by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, as their long-term feud continued.
Arsenal entered the game four points behind the Blues in the table and firmly in contention for a first Premier League title in a decade.
Within 15 minutes of this London derby, any hopes of a title were all but shattered after Samuel Eto’o and Andre Schürrle put Chelsea in a commanding lead.
Kieran Gibbs was sent off in a case of mistaken identity after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain tipped Eden Hazard’s shot around the post, gifting a penalty to the hosts.
Hazard converted from the spot, before a brace from Oscar and a goal from Mohamed Salah finished off a comfortable victory for Chelsea.
4. Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal – October 2014
Arsenal returned to Stamford Bridge for the first time since the 6-0 humiliation seven months earlier.
The Gunners showed little fight on the pitch once again, but Wenger and Mourinho had a famous bust-up as tempers flared again on the touchline between the two managers.
Further spice was added to the rivalry in the summer of 2014, as former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas joined Chelsea – this was his first appearance against his former club and he was greeted with a mixture of boos and applause from the travelling fans.
This time, the Blues had to settle for just the two goals, as Hazard put Chelsea ahead from the penalty spot before Diego Costa doubled the lead in the 78th minute to seal another win over Arsenal for Mourinho’s side.
It was a memorable season for Chelsea, as they were crowned champions that season.
3. Arsenal 2-2 Chelsea – December 2004
Arsenal were the kings of England in 2004, going unbeaten throughout the entire 2003/04 season as they coasted to their third title of the Premier League era.
Chelsea had emerged as the biggest threat to their crown after owner Roman Abramovich injected plenty of funds into the transfer budget following his takeover in the summer of 2003.
Arsenal took an early lead in this festive encounter at Highbury, with French striker Thierry Henry putting the hosts ahead in the 2nd minute.
Chelsea skipper John Terry levelled the game 15 minutes later, before Henry’s quickly taken free-kick caught the visitors off guard to restore Arsenal’s advantage.
Eidur Gudjohnsen equalised for the west London outfit a minute after the restart, as the points were shared between the two sides.
Arsenal proved to be the closest contender to Chelsea that season, as the Blues went on to win their first title in 50 years.
2. Chelsea 3-5 Arsenal – October 2011
Manager Arsene Wenger was under pressure from the Arsenal faithful following a poor start to the season, which included an 8-2 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The two London sides played out a thriller at the Bridge in October 2011, as Arsenal claimed a surprising 5-3 win over the Blues.
Things seemed to be heading in Chelsea’s favour when Frank Lampard gave the hosts an early lead, but Arsenal captain Robin van Persie levelled the scores 10 minutes before the break.
Chelsea were ahead again before the break, as John Terry scored on the stroke of half-time.
Shortly after the restart, Andre Santos equalised for the visitors, before Theo Walcott ran through the Chelsea defence to give the visitors their first lead of the game.
Arsenal were hanging on for three points before Juan Mata equalised with 10 minutes remaining to set up a tense finale.
Van Persie had the final say though, as he netted twice in the last five minutes to seal his hat-trick and a fine win for the north London side.
- Chelsea 2-3 Arsenal – October 1999
The Blues raced ahead into a 2-0 lead in this encounter, with goals from Tore Andre Flo and Dan Petrescu seemingly putting the game out of Arsenal’s reach.
Kanu proved to be the hero for the visitors on this occasion, as a quick-fire double levelled the game in the final 15 minutes.
Deep into stoppage time, the Nigerian striker rounded Chelsea’s Ed De Goey, before scoring from an almost impossible angle to seal an improbable comeback for Arsenal.
