Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says his side are ‘fully ready’ for Sunday’s London derby against Chelsea, a fixture that could prove pivotal in the Premier League title race.
Chelsea have managed just one win in their last 11 league meetings with Arsenal and are winless in their last seven against the Gunners, a record that will boost confidence in Arteta’s camp.
Asked whether Chelsea now represent Arsenal’s main title rivals following Liverpool’s slide down the table, Arteta was respectful of the Blues’ progress under Enzo Maresca.
‘It’s a big game, it is a big London derby. They are in really good form. We know the challenge and the opportunity we have on Sunday, so we are fully ready,’ he said.
‘They fully deserve where they are, and the squad they assemble. The manager and coaching staff that they have, they deserve to be there.’
On team news, Arteta confirmed Leandro Trossard could return after undergoing a fitness test, while updates on Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel and Kai Havertz will be made closer to kick-off.
The Arsenal boss was also asked about Declan Rice’s growing influence and whether the England midfielder could one day win the Ballon d’Or.
‘I hope so, that would mean we have won a lot. I think he has been immense from the start of the season. He is an incredible and crucial player for us,’ Arteta said.
Rice himself recently revealed he voted for Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo in last season’s PFA Team of the Year, highlighting the mutual respect between two of the Premier League’s standout midfielders.
