Arsenal

The team news for the Premier League game between Arsenal and Chelsea is in, with less than an hour to go until kick-off at Emirates Stadium.

Follow all the build-up and live text updates of the match here

Arsenal’s progress this season is clear, even if they again fall short up against the behemoth that is Manchester City.

The Gunners were controlled and convincing in their 2-0 win over Wolves on Saturday, and made it six Premier League away games in a row without conceding a goal.

This defensive record is achieved through brilliant defending from the front but standing at the base is David Raya, a summer signing to which many raised their eyebrows.

Raya's performance against Wolves epitomised his qualities and highlighted the edge he has on Aaron Ramsdale in that role.

The Spaniard was very calm in possession and completed 30 passes at a 76.7% success rate (14.3% higher than Ramsdale's average last season).

He also claimed several crosses and high balls in the box.

Both of these qualities bring a calm to the Arsenal backline and relieve pressure.

He has not been perfect, but it has become clear to most now that Raya has been an upgrade.

With Arsenal’s attack slightly stuttering, particularly in games they have failed to win, it will be Raya and the rest of the defence that could keep Arsenal in this title race.

Oli Price-Bates can be found at The Fresh Arsenal podcast, external

Image source, Getty Images

At the business end of the league, Arsenal ground out another hard fought three points, this time up at Wolves. Dismissing the Gunners as ‘bottlers’ after losing to Aston Villa last week was extremely unfair.

This is the Premier League and if you have a dip, even an understandable one caused by two ultimately heartbreaking Champions League games against the mighty Bayern Munich, then a team like Villa are always capable of capitalising.

The grinding Gunners were back, however, and Liverpool did the same thing in a difficult looking game at Fulham. It would appear their demise has been exaggerated too.

For all the talk of resolve of the two title pretenders, it was Jurgen Klopp who impressed me most this time.

It is hard to leave out regular starters such as Darwin Nunez, Alexis Mac Allister and Mo Salah in a must-win game, but he did it.

It was a huge call that few would have had the guts to make, but it turned out to be the right one.

Well done, Jurgen. Your time may be fast running out at Liverpool, but you are still at the top of your game.

Pat Nevin was writing for the BBC Football Extra newsletter

Image source, Getty Images

Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live before the Gunners' match against Chelsea on Tuesday: "We saw last year what the pressure can do to a set of players. They fell away, but this year something seems a little bit different and that's because they've hopefully learnt from what it's like.

"They can't afford a draw. They can't afford anything other than winning every game now because you can almost bet on the fact that Manchester City will do that.

"They didn't play brilliantly against Wolves, but it was a great result to get the points when the pressure was on. They've got an opportunity to put another three points on the board [against Chelsea]."

On Chelsea: "I couldn't believe what I was seeing [in their FA Cup semi final v Manchester City]. Their lack of ability to put the ball in the net haunted them again.

"The way that Chelsea play, sometimes you think 'why are they where they are in the league because they play really well?'

"Other times you think it's exactly where they deserve to be.

"If they find a way to put the ball in the back of the net they'll travel up the league next season for sure. That's Pochettino's problem, inconsistency is rife throughout the squad.

"They'll be a danger. Arsenal have to forget about who they are playing, get their formula right and they will win the game. I've got very little doubt that they won't get the job done tonight and pile the pressure on City."

Another pivotal game in Arsenal's season as they look to extend their lead in the title race to three points if they can beat Chelsea at the Emirates this evening.

Mikel Arteta was in good form yesterday as he embraced the challenge of winning and taking on Champions Manchester City at the final hurdle.

“Winning matches means you bring the margins smaller," he said.

"That’s what we will try to do and if we do that the pressure can increase that’s for sure. Winning has a consequence, making the margins shorter.”

The manager was also asked if Arsenal are already making plans to take this team to the next level.

“We have a few ideas," he replied.

"We have to see how will we finish first and what we are capable of doing. Then sit down again and review everything that we have done and see how we can make another step or two steps forward. That’s what this team, this club and our people are demanding. To keep moving forward because we aren’t satisfied with where we are.”

I believe that Arsenal's priorities this summer will be a new striker and a new goalkeeper with Aaron Ramsdale expected to leave for first team football.

There was a huge boost for Arsenal’s title challenge as Jurrien Timber made a return to the grass after eight months out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. He played and scored in an 2 -2 draw against Blackburn Under-21s at Ewood Park on Monday. The defender can play anywhere across the back line and Arteta likes his ability to step in as an inverted midfielder when attacking.

Chris Sutton is making predictions for every Premier League game this season against a variety of guests. For this week's matches on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, he takes on actor Zack Morris, star of new thriller film Jericho Ridge.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Arsenal bounced back from a bad week really well against Wolves on Saturday and won comfortably, but Chelsea put in a good performance too despite losing their FA Cup semi-final to Manchester City.

This feels like a really dangerous game for the Gunners, and the rivalry between the two clubs is going to be a big factor as well.

Chelsea probably should have beaten them at Stamford Bridge in October but let a two-goal lead slip late on.

They are making progress under Mauricio Pochettino but they still have a habit of shooting themselves in the foot like they did that day.

So, I am backing Arsenal to find a way of winning this one - although again it is going to be extremely close.

Zack's prediction: 1-2

I've got some family and friends who are Arsenal fans, so I am going to annoy them and say Chelsea will win.

You can read the rest of the predictions here

Arsenal are expecting to make three or four marquee additions this summer as they complete an overhaul of their squad, with Sporting Lisbon and Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres, 25, their main target. (Football Transfers), external

Barcelona have joined Arsenal in being interested in £90m-rated Newcastle United and Sweden striker Alexander Isak, 24, with the Spanish club hoping to strike a deal as the Magpies look to navigate financial fair play rules. (Sun), external

Arsenal and Manchester United have joined the race to sign Crystal Palace and France winger Michael Olise, 22, but face competition from Chelsea, Manchester City and Juventus. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer news? Read Tuesday's gossip column

Image source, Getty Images

Monday, 22 April marks Earth Day - a day in the international calendar that provides the opportunity to reflect, make change and understand more about sustainability and the impacts of climate change.

Sport and football are not immune to these issues and there has been increasing awareness of their relationship to the environment over the past few years.

Football has a global footprint and, as it continues to grow, it has been subject to questions and criticism over some of the decisions that could hinder efforts in reducing its impact, including expanding Uefa cup competitions and the men's Fifa World Cup.

The effects of adverse weather related to climate change has been increasingly felt, with a study last year showing extreme weather has affected 40% of football players and spectators.

But, football and its fanbase also have an opportunity to be part of the solution, with clubs like Forest Green Rovers showing how the sport's environmental footprint can be reduced.

We have taken a look into some of the key things Arsenal are doing to become more sustainable:

• The Gunners became the first Premier League club to sign up to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework.

• They have set and are working towards targets of 50% emission reduction by 2030 and to be net-zero by 2040.

• They are into their fifth season of using reusable cups at the stadium.

• The training base has wildflower meadows and two beehives, and the club have an 'Arsenal Forest' in Kenya.

• They have a water recycling system at the training ground that can harvest 15 to 20 million litres of water a year.

One important area all Premier League clubs can address to reduce their carbon footprint is their travel, as shown in BBC Sport research.

Why is this important?

Football For Future is a non-profit organisation working with stakeholders across football to create a more environmentally sustainable culture and founder Elliot Arthur-Worsop told BBC Sport: "Climate change will be the defining challenge of our generation, and the future of football will be affected too.

"We're already seeing the impacts, with more than 120,000 English grassroots games being called off annually, and major tournaments such as the World Cup and Afcon being moved because of extreme weather.

"Beyond the pitch, the climate crisis threatens livelihoods and global food and water security.

"With its unparalleled social influence, football has an opportunity to inspire global climate action, from micro-behaviours to essential policy change."

What would you like to see your club do more (or less) of to be greener?

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Premier League match at home to Chelsea.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Arteta confirmed Jurrien Timber will play for the under-21 side this evening as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury and will be assessed to see if he can feature against Tottenham on Sunday.

• On Saturday's win at Wolves: "It was a good test to see how we react to certain obstacles and how much we want it. When some people are questioning is when we have to step up and we did that."

• He wants his side to build on the 2-0 win at Molineux: "Same message - keep doing what we've been doing. Focus on the task, prepare well. The boys look ready to go again. London derby, massive game for us. We have prepared in the best possible way."

• On recent controversy over the standard of officiating in the Premier League: "I don't know. I'm not involved in that. I've been involved in a few so that's not for me to comment. We are all trying to improve the game, we are all aligned. Things are going to happen, they will happen in the future as well. When it touches you it's very difficult, we have all been there."

• When asked about Pep Guardiola's comments on fixture scheduling, Arteta said: "Winning is a big boost of energy. Everybody is ready to play a London derby tomorrow. It is not the moment for us to look at volume of games. We have to feel like we are fresh to perform in the best possible way."

• On opponents Chelsea: "They're doing well, I think they're doing much better than people say. They have made huge improvements, they deserve to be in a much higher position in the league. They have reached a final, a semi-final."

• On Blues boss and friend Mauricio Pochettino: "It's a huge admiration for Mauricio because I knew him 23 years ago and I wish him all the best. He's an incredible manager, a great leader and will inspire that club to get where they want to get to. What Mauricio is doing is really impressive and I'm sure he will get them there."

• On the title race: "You're depending on another two teams - the best two teams in this league, two of the best in the history of this league."

Follow the rest of Monday's football news

The key facts and figures before Arsenal host Chelsea in the Premier League on Tuesday (20:00 BST)

• Arsenal have lost just one of their past eight Premier League games against Chelsea. Their four-match unbeaten run is their longest against the Blues in the league since a 19-game streak between 1995 and 2005.

• Chelsea are unbeaten in their past eight Premier League games (W4 D4), scoring at least twice in their past six. They last had a longer run without defeat between January and March 2021 (10).

• Arsenal lost 2-0 to Aston Villa in their last home game – they were last beaten in consecutive league games at Emirates Stadium in April 2022.

• Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has never won a Premier League away game against the Gunners, drawing four and losing three of his seven visits to the Emirates in the competition with Southampton and Tottenham.

• Since the start of last season, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka has been involved in more London derby goals in the Premier League than any other player (17 – eight goals, nine assists).

• Cole Palmer has scored 20 league goals this season, with 10 coming in his past five appearances. Only three Blues players have scored more in a Premier League campaign – Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (23 in both 2000-01 and 2001-02), Frank Lampard (22 in 2009-10) and Didier Drogba (29 in 2009-10).

Image source, Getty Images

The Telegraph's Luke Edwards believes Arsenal's 2-0 win at Wolves on Saturday got last weekend's home defeat by Aston Villa "out of their system".

Mikel Arteta's side moved back to the top of the Premier League and put the pressure back on to title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.

"There's some pretty unfair things that have been said about Arsenal and Mikel Arteta since that difficult defeat by Aston Villa," Edwards told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"Words like 'chokers' and 'bottle-jobs' have been thrown around, but they haven't done that.

"That was their first league defeat of 2024. They needed to respond in the right way and they really did that.

"They controlled the game, got their noses in front just before half-time and then showed their class.

"They have got that Villa defeat out of their system, bounced back, and showed they have the mental strength to deal with a setback like that.

"The good thing for them is now they can put the pressure back on to Manchester City and Liverpool who are now chasing them.

"I was really impressed by them because we all know what a sucker punch that defeat was and everybody talking about it ending their title challenge. To come out like they did and control things like they did was impressive. Their big players showed up.

"They're asking questions of Manchester City and Liverpool and that's all they can do."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

We asked for your views on Wolves' defeat by Arsenal on Saturday.

Here are some of your answers:

Wolves fans

Kieran: Good performance despite all the injuries we have. We need players back. Bit of a bad run of form but I know we can win if we got some players back. On to and the next one and come on, you Wolves.

Philip: Wolves have a Championship squad of players surviving in the Premier League. Gary O Neil is a miracle worker and every Wolves supporter should be proud of his and the players' achievements.

Mike: To only lose 2-0 against Arsenal with our woefully small squad is OK, but we have to strengthen for next season or we will start losing by more to the ‘ordinary’ teams and could be relegation fodder.

Arsenal fans

Brian: Not impressed with the performance or the result. Can do better, must do better to win the Premier League.

Naru: We looked tired and leggy but managed to secure a win against a difficult side. Sometimes we need an ugly win and this result will boost team spirit, in addition, another clean sheet at an away match. Great result.

Tim: Very efficient performance. Another clean sheet and three points away from home. Cannot ask for a lot more after a busy week.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Leeds United manager Simon Grayson believes both Mikel Arteta and Gary O'Neil will be happy with their sides' respective performances in Saturday's 2-0 win for Arsenal at Molineux.

The Gunners returned to the top of the Premier League but were made to work by a Wolves side ravaged by injuries.

"Arsenal showed a lot of mental strength," Grayson told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"They could have had a harder fixture with how depleted Wolves were with the injury situation, but Wolves played really well.

"They were good out of possession, on the counter-attack and defended the 18-yard box well.

"Arsenal just scored at the right time. They took the wind out of the sails of Wolves two minutes before half-time. Then, in the second half, they really upped the ante.

"It felt inevitable it would be 2-0 very soon but Wolves withstood that and created one or two half opportunities and got into some good positions without really working David Raya. Then Arsenal hit them on the counter and put the game to bed.

"Arsenal will be happy and relieved. On the other side of it, Gary O'Neil will be really happy with Wolves' performance and the heart, spirit and desire his team showed."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's three Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer.

And you can watch highlights of Sunday's games here

Listen back to Saturday's BBC Radio 5 Live match commentary in full:

Luton Town 1-5 Brentford

Wolves are considering Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale as a replacement for Jose Sa, who might leave the club this summer. (Sun), external

Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are among the clubs interested in signing 28-year-old Real Madrid and France defender Ferland Mendy. (L'Equipe - in French, subscription required), external

The Gunners face competition from Manchester City and Liverpool to sign 22-year-old Wolves and Algeria left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri. (Mirror), external

Meanwhile, Arsenal will have to pay 60m euros (£51m) if they want to sign 24-year-old Serbia striker Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus this summer. (Tuttosport - in Italian), external

Want more transfer news? Read Monday's full gossip column