Striker Didier Drogba looking forward to play favourite Arsenal clash
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba revealed ahead of the Arsenal clash that he would like to face Arsenal because he admired the team since his early days. Chelsea host their London rivals at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, the 3rd of October in what will
undoubtedly be one of the biggest clash of the Premier League this season.
The Chelsea hit man said, “I love playing big games and I love playing against Arsenal. I always say that Arsenal is one of my favourite teams.” He added, “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 the sides go into the match knowing that a loss or even a draw will give title contenders Manchester United the advantage. Apart from that, both sides suffered their first Premier League defeat last weekend - Arsenal lost against West Brom at the Emirates
while Chelsea lost against the slightly respectable Manchester City at the Eastlands.
Both had similar results in the Champions League, winning comfortably and restoring some lost pride. But the real test will come this weekend when these two London giants lock horns. Drogba is well aware of the repercussions of another loss as he knows if
the Blues wish to maintain their English Premier League crown, they cannot afford to lose any matches so early in the season - at least not until they are well clear of all their competitors.
He said, “I don't think we can afford to lose a second game, especially against Arsenal. 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.” The Ivoirian international
knows that it’s early on in the season and only a few points separate the two sides. A convincing win will be necessary to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Drogba said that he was somewhat confident going into the match, especially after the win over former club Marseille and considering his scoring record against the Gunners with an impressive 12 goals in 12 games. He said, “It was important for us to win
against Marseille for the confidence. Arsenal is a big team, they’ve been playing well at the beginning of the season but we’re at home and have to do everything to win.”
Arsenal is having goal keeper problems as it is, and will not be looking forward to Didier Drogba. The sole reason why Arsenal lost to West Brom over the weekend was because of Almunia, who made silly errors and bad judgments which ultimately cost them the
match. Over midweek in the Champions League, Almunia was replaced by second choice keeper Lukasz Fabianski, who performed better but his real test will come against the mighty Blues.
Captain John Terry shared his teammate’s sentiments when he said, “Nowadays you’re not going to go the whole season without suffering a defeat and it’s about how you respond. We have another big game on Sunday and we’re fortunate the games come thick and
fast now and we can get on with it. It’s good to get back to winning ways against Marseille and hopefully that continues.”
Chelsea will be without star midfielder Frank Lampard, former Liverpool player Yossi Benayoun, and Drogba’s fellow country man Salomon Kalou, who are all unavailable due to injuries. But John Terry is confident that after their performance against Marseille
in mid week, the Blues can take on the Gunners without the missing players. The Blues captain believes his side has quality replacements and with Drogba on the attack, they will achieve a good result and return once again to winning ways.
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