The Premier League title race is tightening, and a fascinating clash looms this weekend as Arsenal face Chelsea. Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes his old club possesses the ability to disrupt Arsenal’s momentum and potentially dent their championship aspirations.
Arsenal currently hold a five-point lead at the summit, fresh off a commanding victory in the North London derby against Tottenham. However, Manchester City remain a potent threat, with a game in hand and a looming Carabao Cup final showdown against Arteta’s side.
A pivotal match awaits Arsenal in April – a trip to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City. But before that, a stern test arrives in the form of Chelsea, a team Arsenal previously eliminated from the Carabao Cup.
Chelsea’s recent form has been inconsistent, evidenced by a home draw against Burnley. Yet, Hasselbaink points to a curious pattern: the Blues often rise to the occasion against top opposition, securing unexpected results.
“Chelsea are a strange kind of team,” Hasselbaink explained. “They will go out to a big team and get a result, get a draw or get a win. They can do that. We have seen it.” He anticipates Arsenal’s encounter with Chelsea will prove far more challenging than their recent win over Tottenham.
The Gunners recently relinquished a two-goal advantage against Wolves, a stumble that highlighted their vulnerability. Hasselbaink believes a Chelsea result could throw the title race wide open, potentially drawing Arsenal level with Manchester City.
Despite Chelsea’s unpredictable nature, Hasselbaink still leans towards an Arsenal victory in the long run. He acknowledges Arsenal’s squad depth as a key advantage, ultimately believing they possess the strongest team in the league.
“I do think they are the favourites and I do think they are going to win it,” Hasselbaink stated. He confidently predicted Arsenal would overcome the pressure at Tottenham, a prediction that proved accurate, and expects them to ultimately prevail in the title race.
The upcoming match against Chelsea represents a significant hurdle, a chance for the Blues to inject chaos into a title battle that is rapidly approaching its climax. It’s a game that could redefine the landscape of the Premier League season.
