Here we go again. Its Chelsea and Arsenal – a rivalry that has been turned on its head by the success of the Blues. Arsenal are now the team doing the chasing, Chelsea have the title in their sights. There is no Jose Mourinho to provoke aggression on the touchline, but we can expect the on-pitch action to be as fierce as ever.
The title is on the line at Stamford Bridge this weekend. Chelsea can put themselves in an extremely strong position, while Arsenal need a victory to maintain any hope of lifting the trophy come May. They have had tense encounters before, even in the Champions League, but this is one of the most pivotal matches in the last few years.
This rivalry has been a treat. Exciting, ferocious and competitive, the matches are seldom dull. Naturally, we have been treated to some stunning goals along the way. Here, for your enjoyment, are FIVE of the best…
Kanu does it All
One of the best hat-tricks in recent memory from Nwankwo Kanu was topped off by the absolute gem of a third goal. Closing down the defence, humiliating the keeper and finishing perfectly from an acute angle, the Nigerian will always be remembered for this frankly remarkable performance.
The footage might not be in the best – this is in the days before Wi-Fi – but Kanu is a player to be appreciated long after his departure. Underrated by so many, his final goal in this match is not only brilliant for the technical difficulty – it is the significance that elevates its relevance.
Thierry is Good
In Chelsea’s first title winning year, Arsenal were still considered realistic competitors. Few players in the history of the Premier League will be remembered quite as fondly as Thierry Henry and, remarkably, this goal probably doesn’t rank in his top ten. That said, it is a sublime strike into the far corner.
This season was the turning point in the relationship between the two clubs. The beginning of Mourinho saw Chelsea take the upper hand and Arsenal have seldom returned to dominance over their Blue London rivals.
Give it Some
Alex was a solid defender for Chelsea. The Brazilian has had a good career, representing many big clubs and performing on big occasions. Few individual moments will have been as magnificent as this strike in a London derby at Stamford Bridge.
The power he hit this free-kick with was, funnily, of little surprise. He scored more than one during his Chelsea spell, but the timing of this thumping strike into the top corner makes it one of the best recent goals in this bitter rivalry.
Drogba Does it Again
It was inevitable Drogba would feature on this list. In fact, he could have taken up all five slots himself. Whether it be a flicked finish, his towering cup final header or dipping free-kick, few players have tormented a club like Chelsea’s hero did to Arsenal.
This goal, though, epitomised Drogba. Chelsea, springing a fast break after taking the lead, let their domineering centre forward do all the work and Arsenal could do little but watch as he drove into the box and tried to decapitate the ‘keeper. Chelsea won the title that year.
Jaw-dropping Essien
Outside of the foot passes are my guilty pleasure. Outside of the foot goals from 30 yards should be hidden away in some sort of secret underground chamber.
Complete with the full-Martin-Tyler experience, Essien’s strike is one of the greatest goals in Premier League history. Scored to level up a London derby in the last few minutes, Chelsea’s midfield powerhouse didn’t score many, but he sure scored belters.
Will we see any goals as good as these on Saturday?
