With Arsenal set to face Chelsea in the Community Shield on Sunday, we take a look back at some of the Gunners’ best moments against their London rivals.
Since 1907, Chelsea and Arsenal have faced in each other 190 times in competitive matches and while the Community Shield is ‘only’ a friendly, it’s a ‘friendly’ at Wembley between two rivals.
Despite Wenger’s side beating Antonio Conte’s in the FA Cup final, Chelsea won the title last season and beat Arsenal 3-0 earlier in pre-season. Therefore, the Gunners have a lot to play for.
Arsenal have beaten the Blues 74 times, lost 62 and drawn 54 in their history. However, while the Gunners dominated the clashes early on, since 2004 Chelsea have proven to be a real stumbling block for Arsene Wenger.
Saying that, even though there have been some pretty horrific defeats in recent years, usually at the hands of Jose Mourinho, there have been some pretty fantastic moments that will go down in history.
1. FA Cup final 2017
No one expected Arsenal to beat the champions in the FA Cup final during their poorest season for years.
However, a fluky early goal from Alexis Sanchez and winner from Aaron Ramsey left Gooners floating above Wembley stadium in dream land.
2. FA Cup final 2002
While Chelsea weren’t quite the force they are now, they were still a London rival.
Spectacular goals from Ray Parlour and Freddie Ljungberg meant that Arsenal had a pretty good day out and another piece of silverware for the cabinet.
3. Kanu’s hat-trick
In 1999, Kanu overturned a 2-0 deficit and made the scoreline 3-2 to Arsenal in just 15 minutes at Stamford Bridge.
It has to be seen to be believed.
4. Theo Walcott’s record
Theo has a brilliant record against Chelsea. In 18 games, he’s scored six goals.
His first goal for Arsenal was even against the Blues during the League Cup final in 2007.
Remember 5-3 at Stamford Bridge? The forward was on fire.
5. Arsenal 3-0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGWAJpCNXkc
Last season, the Gunners managed to somehow kick-start Chelsea’s season with an emphatic win at the Emirates.
But let’s not concentrate on the fact we someone managed to help them, let’s focus on the lovely win.
6. Thierry Henry’s free-kick
The game may have ended 2-2 but Henry’s quickly-taken free-kick in 2004 was a work of art.