Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has come up with a plan to handle Cole Palmer as the Gunners look to get back on track with a win over Chelsea.
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Arsenal head to Chelsea on SundayGunners have hit a sticky patchArteta confident his team can bounce back
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Arsenal head to Stamford Bridge on Sunday in a huge Premier League clash with Chelsea. The Gunners have lost their last two games in a row, against Newcastle in the Premier League and Inter in the Champions League, and will know they can ill-afford more dropped points if they are to challenge for the title this season. Arsenal's recent slump in form has seen them fail to register a Premier League win since a 3-1 victory over struggling Southampton at the start of October and drop into fifth place in the table, already seven points behind leaders Liverpool.
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Chelsea will present a stiff test as the Blues have lost lost just once in nine Premier League matches since defeat the opening weekend to Manchester City. They also possess plenty of firepower and will be hoping Palmer can shrug off a recent injury to play. The England international has seven goals and five assists in just 10 Premier League outings this season and has certainly been in Arteta's thoughts ahead of the match.
WHAT ARTETA SAID
He told reporters: "That's a question that all the managers in the league have had and he's still managed to impact games. We will have a plan for Cole and all their threats, and to exploit their weaknesses."
Arteta went on to speak about the team's desire to return to winning ways, adding: "There is nobody in this room or outside who wants to win more than I do or the players do. That is impossible. I sense a big belief in what we do as a team. They are paying attention, they are hungry and they want to work. Their desire is unbelievable. They are a joy to work with."
DID YOU KNOW?
Arteta is unbeaten in all five of his Premier League away matches as Arsenal manager versus Chelsea, winning three and drawing two.