“Edu and company almost got away I didn’t mend holes in the team mid-season, but as an Arsenal fan, when I saw Partey’s injury I knew we were lost,” said Zach Neeley. “The biggest need wasn’t his position, but ability in one place can make up for deficiencies elsewhere (plus I think his presence is key to better, consistent performances from Xhaka).”
The question is how do you replace one of the better midfielders in the world? He almost made them cheat by playing 4-1-4-1; without him they would always struggle a bit. And then there’s the elephant in the room, or rather Nou Camp.
The boy is special
Mason Mount will make his 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣th Premier League appearance tonight, he’s been key for Chelsea this season… 👀📊 pic.twitter.com/ygTomeKN9J
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 20, 2022
Arsenal will wear black armbands tonight in memory of Steve Rowley, the former chief scout who died aged just 63. Responsible for signing many Arsenal legends, including Tony Adams and Cesc Fabregas, Rowley was by all accounts a thoroughly decent man.
Tonight the team will wear black bracelets.
In memory of Steve Rowley ❤️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 20, 2022
It looks like Arsenal will play 4-2-3-1 tonight, proving that it really does take two men to replace Thomas Partey. He’s a phenomenal player, good enough for any team in the world.
Updated at 18:55 BST
i will be honest. When I saw that headline, I thought, ‘What’s his problem?’ But Thomas Tuchel’s comments are as measured and eloquent as ever. If I were a Chelsea fan I would adore the man.
Updated at 18:57 BST
Team News
Romelu Lukaku will start in a Premier League game for the first time since February 19, when he famously had just seven touches against Crystal Palace.
There are four changes in total from the team that defeated Palace in the FA Cup on Sunday. Malang Sarr, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, N’Golo Kante and Lukaku replace Antonio Rudiger, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz.
It looks like Ben White will play for Arsenal at right-back while Eddie Nketiah is favored over Alexandre Lacazette. There are three changes from the weekend’s defeat at Southampton with Rob Holding, Mohamed Elneny and Emile Smith Rowe replacing Cedric, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Gabriel Martinelli.
Chelsea (3-4-1-2) Mendy; James, Christensen, Sarr; Azpilicueta, Loftus Cheek, Edge, Alonso; assemble; Lukaku, Werner.
Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Barkley, Jorginho, Saul, Pulisic, Ziyech, Havertz.
Arsenal (4-2-3-1) Ramsdale; White, Gabriel, Holding, Tavares; Elneny, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Nketiah.
Substitutes: Leno, Cedric, Swanson, Azeez, Lokonga, Hutchinson, Pepe, Martinelli, Lacazette.
referee Jon Moss.
🚨 TEAM NEWS
🏴ڠ delicious
🇪🇬 Elneny comes into midfield
🏴ڠ delicious🙌 COME ARSENAL#CHEARS pic.twitter.com/IOfpc8Cx1q
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 20, 2022
Updated at 19.01 BST
There are three more Premier League games tonight, including Everton vs Leicester and Manchester City vs Brighton. Oh damn, I might as well tell you the other game is Newcastle vs Crystal Palace.
More importantly, we have a dedicated clockwatch for these games.
preamble
Hello and welcome to the live broadcast of Chelsea v Arsenal from Stamford Bridge. I doubt anyone associated with Chelsea will agree, but for the neutral liveblogger, this game feels far more important to Arsenal.
Chelsea are third barring a tale of the seriously unexpected while Arsenal are locked in an increasingly chaotic battle for fourth place. A worrying run of four defeats in five games has dashed their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since 2016/17.
Injuries, outgoing loans and the inherent irreplaceability of Thomas Partey have left Arsenal behind in recent weeks and few people want them to get anything tonight. But a win or even a draw at Stamford Bridge would change the mood for the umpteenth time in their upside-down season, especially as their top-four rivals all have their own imperfections.
Spurs are still Spurs despite Antonio Conte’s efforts, Manchester United are a laughingstock and West Ham are understandably distracted by the Europa League. To borrow a set popular with Arsenal fans, fourth place is still up for grabs.
Kick off 7.45 p.m.
Updated at 18:58 BST