The Hindu : Sport / Football : Chelsea takes on Arsenal, Man U meets Liverpool

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Saturday, Dec 15, 2007
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Chelsea takes on Arsenal, Man U meets Liverpool

LONDON: Chelsea has snapped out of its early season slump — just in time to face Premier League leader Arsenal with a chance of extending its four-year unbeaten run against the Gunners.

The Blues picked up just 11 points from their first seven matches, but have closed to within three points of Arsenal going into Sunday’s match at Emirates Stadium — with an undefeated record stretching back to Sept. 23.

And with Arsenal having lost at Middlesbrough last weekend, Chelsea could be set to stretch its unbeaten streak against the Gunners to 11 matches.

If Chelsea can do that, defending champion Manchester United could take the league lead if it beats fourth-place Liverpool the same day.

Much of the credit for Chelsea’s recovery goes to coach Avram Grant, who earned a new four-year contract this week by lifting the players following the surprise departure of his predecessor, Jose Mourinho, in September.

The Gunners are winless against Chelsea since their unbeaten 2003-04 season yielded home and away victories in the Premier League. And even then, Chelsea knocked Arsenal out of the Champions League.

Attacking verve

Victory for Chelsea on Sunday would put it level with Arsenal, whose youthful team has drawn plaudits with its attacking verve.

But Arsenal dropped two points at Newcastle before losing for the first time in the Premier League at Middlesbrough, giving the rest of the so-called “big four” a chance to trim its lead.

Arsenal has had injury problems, with Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabregas, Mathieu Flamini and Aleksandr Hleb all missing several matches.

Netherlands striker Van Persie could start against Chelsea after proving his recovery from a knee problem by playing 64 minutes in the 2-1 midweek Champions League win over Steaua Bucharest.

Manager Arsene Wenger could risk the others in his attempt for a first win over Chelsea in almost four seasons. — AP

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