Didier Drogba relishing the Arsenal clash
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has said that he is looking forward to the big London Derby at the weekend, as Chelsea take on Arsenal at the Stamford Bridge. Drogba said that as a youngster he used to be an Arsenal fan and has a
lot of admiration for the club.
The game is definitely one of the biggest matches of the season, and will go a long way towards deciding who will top the table at the end of the weekend.
Drogba who was signed by Chelsea from French club Marseille said that he has always loved playing against Arsenal. He added that when he was playing in France he used to regularly watch Arsenal play every weekend on television.
"I love playing big games and I love playing against Arsenal," Ivory Coast striker said
"I always say that Arsenal is one of my favourite teams.
"When I was playing in France, Arsenal was an example for us because there were all these French players who used to play in the French league and went abroad to play for Arsenal with a French manager.
"So to play against them for me means a lot."
Both teams go into the match with almost identical form at home and in Europe. Chelsea who had been going strong this season with 5 wins in 5 games finally lost to Manchester City last weekend, but followed it up with a comprehensive
win in Europe against Marseille. Arsenal on the other hand had to suffer a shock 3-2 defeat at the hands of West Brom and they too won their Champion’s League match midweek.
Drogba believes that playing against Arsenal is more than just a derby. He said although Arsenal may not be their biggest rivals in defence of the title, they still do have a great chance of winning the league. The Ivorian captain
said that Arsenal has some of the best young players in the world and Chelsea would have to be at their best to get a good result. He said that at the end of the season, it mostly comes down to the matches between the top 4. He added that 3 points against
Arsenal would be integral in staying top of the table.
"I don't think we can afford to lose a second game, especially against Arsenal," he said.
"People have to know, and we know, that we're going to lose some games this season.
"But again, it's always good to win, it's always better to win."
Drogba has been the main goal scorer for Chelsea in last 3 seasons; he started this season with the same vigour but in last couple of games has not been able to bring his best to the table. The front man was withdrawn from the
match against Manchester City last week 15 minutes from time; he admitted that he did not expect his number to be up on the board. Still the African striker insisted that he respects the decisions of his manager, and trusts him totally.
"I was surprised because I didn't expect that at that moment of the game," he added.
"But the managers always decide and I think he had some reasons and I understand them."
Drogba came to Chelsea in 2003 following the cash revolution that started after Roman Abramovic bought the club. Chelsea has since won 3 Premier League titles, 2 Carling Cups and 2 FA Cups. Success in Europe though has eluded them
and their best performance was a penalty shootout defeat at the hands of Manchester United in the final.
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