Arsene Wenger insists that Arsenal aren’t the favourites going into their League Cup tie against Chelsea, but points out that the Gunners will try and take advantage of playing at home.

After drawing 0-0 away to Chelsea in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final clash, the ball is firmly in Arsenal’s court.

Despite a shaky season, the Gunners have mostly been strong on home soil, and this means they have every opportunity of knocking Antonio Conte’s men out of the competition.

Speaking ahead of the match, Wenger remained as diplomatic as ever, however, insisting that there are no favourites going into the tie.

“You’re always cautious to say that because I think the two teams are very close to each other every time they meet and the form of the day can be a decider,” he said.
wenger palace 3
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 20: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on January 20, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
 “The strength of the motivation on the day can be a decider as well. It has always been very tight, they are two good teams, who know each other very well now, so it’s very difficult, it’s very unpredictable.”
He continued, “Honestly, I don’t see any favourite in that tie. If you look, as we just spoke about, in the last seven games it’s always very tight, so what you could say is that what comes out is no real favourite, but we are at home and we feel strong at home and so we want to take advantage of it.”

Although the draw away at the Bridge was about as exciting as watching paint dry, at least we didn’t concede and now have a clean slate heading into the second leg.

What’s more, the Gunners’ record is pretty good against the Blues – especially at home. In 47 matches we’ve won 25. If there was going to be a favourite, it would be Arsenal.

But knowing how inconsistent Wenger’s men have been this season doesn’t fill me with confidence. If the team show the same attitude they did on Saturday against Crystal Palace, we could romp it and reach the final.

We’ve been capable of pulling it out the bag before. But I’d rather be the underdog than the favourite going in.