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Arsene Wenger's’ men came from behind to win the game 2-1 on aggregate at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night. This was the fifth time this season we have witnessed the derby clash between these two big London teams and finally got a victory tonight with all previous four ending in draws (1-1, 0-0, 2-2, 0-0).
With this win, the Gunners have set up a Wembley date against the most in-form team in the English Premier League. But I’m not going to completely rule out Arsenal’s chances in this tie considering their record at the Wembley Stadium (Last 9 games; 9 wins in 4 years) which I believe should count for something.
Arsenal’s new signing Mkhitaryan was unavailable for selection because he is cup-tied having played in the Carabao Cup for Manchester United, so Wenger went with a similar line-up he used against Crystal Palace in the weekend, with only Ospina being the change made. Nacho Monreal returned to the starting line-up after being substituted in the last game. Meanwhile, Antonio Conte was without Courtois and Morata for this game but was able to call on Christensen who was also substituted in the weekend after a head collision with a Brighton player.
Chelsea started off as the better team in the early minutes of the first half and their constant pressure on the Gunners defense finally paid off in the 7th minute when Eden Hazard was put through on goal thanks to a lovely pass from Pedro who returned to the starting line-up after missing out for some weeks. This Chelsea’s lead will go on to last just 5 minutes, as Arsenal won a corner kick which was swung in beautifully by Granit Xhaka meeting a free header from Nacho Monreal which was deflected twice by both Alonso and Rudiger before making its way into the net.
On the hour mark, Arsenal got their winning goals as Lacazette was able to show strength and skill to hold up the ball at the edge of the box before sending a deflected pass which Xhaka reacted to like a striker to poke the ball home beyond Caballero in the Chelsea goal. Ross Barkley came off the bench to replace the injured Willian and made his debut for Chelsea after signing for the London club this current transfer window from Everton FC.
This victory for Arsenal means they will take on Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, February 25. Both teams were to play a League game on that day but it has been moved back to the following Thursday, which means that they will face off twice in a week. I expect a very technical and tense game between them.
Arsenal Starting XI
Ospina; Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Elneny, Xhaka, Wilshere; Ozil, Iwobi, Lacazette.
Chelsea Starting XI
Caballero; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger; Moses, Bakayoko, Kante, Alonso; Willian, Hazard, Pedro.
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