Arsenal vs Chelsea – Premier League: Live score, team news and updates as Mikel Arteta’s side can stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League to three points with a win

The Emirates Stadium is not a happy hunting ground for Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino.

The Argentine manager was involved in several exciting games with the Gunners, especially during his time as boss of their bitter rivals Tottenham.

However, Pochettino has never won a Premier League match during his visits to the Emirates with Southampton or Spurs. Of his seven matches, he drew four and lost three.

I bet he thinks it’s time to rewrite that statistic.

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, speaks on Monday:

There is so much at stake. We will try to be as fresh as possible, but I think we can definitely handle that. When I saw them this morning I had to hold them back because winning is a big energy boost. After winning against Wolves and playing a London derby, everyone is ready. We have to think and feel that we are fresh to play in the best possible way.

On how Mauricio Pochettino influenced him:

Certainly. One of the most, I would say. I was 17 or 18 years old in Paris, I was thrown to Paris and it was in January, I think, with no experience of professional football and he doesn’t like me to say it, but he was like a father to me.

He took me under his arm, he gave me incredible advice, he really helped me, he inspired me and I learned so much from our two years there together, and from there we nurtured that relationship. I knew he was going to be a coach; I really admire him for what he has done in his career and he is always someone I look up to because he really had an impact on me, probably at the most important stage of my professional career.

I know many of you think the title race is already over, but don’t count your chickens just yet.

This week is another crucial week in the race for English football’s top prize as all three teams play twice. Any more mistakes from Arsenal or Liverpool and it could be over.

Following their win over Wolves on Saturday evening, the Gunners returned to the Premier League summit thanks to Manchester City’s performance in the FA Cup.

Arsenal are currently level with Liverpool, but have a better goal difference. With three points tonight they are three clear at the top and four points ahead of City. However, Pep Guardiola’s team still has two games left.

But you know what they say: sometimes it’s better to have the points in the bag.

I warned you: there are more to come.

Chelsea have been hit with several blows to the face this season, and when they were 11th in the table a few weeks ago, they were battered and bruised by a brutal season.

However, it looks like their cutman has worked some magic between fights as Mauricio Pochettino’s men are on an eight-match unbeaten run, winning four of those matches.

Their upturn in form has put them back in contention for a place in the Europa Conference League next season, something not many would have anticipated last month.

Tonight they face a huge battle with heavyweight Arsenal, who they haven’t laid the gloves on too often in recent years. They hope that will change tonight.

Okay, I’ve made my point now. That’s the end of the boxing puns…I promise.

When I typed the subtitle, I imagined it in Michael Buffer’s voice.

In the red corner we have Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who are still looking for haymakers in their quest for Premier League glory.

The Gunners still have a chance to win the title at the end of the season, but they will need to deliver a knockout blow to Chelsea tonight if they want to stay in the hunt.

Many people thought their race was over after their 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa in the Emirates last time out, but I think those opinions were rather premature.

There seems to be a renewed optimism that the battle for the title still continues after the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Wolves and Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Fulham. The fight isn’t over yet.

My apologies for all the boxing puns, but just as Arsenal are hoping for the title, they’re not quite done yet.

I know there are many London derbies in the Premier League but this has to be one of the biggest.

Both Arsenal and Chelsea are not particularly fond of each other, and an Arsenal fan I know just reminded me of his very strong dislike for the Blues…

I remember the days when both sides fought for titles, with Thierry Henry taking on John Terry, what a battle that was.

The game may not have the impact on the league as it once did, but it’s still a must-watch.

Arsenal should take the game to Chelsea, after all the pressure is on them and they are the favourites, but Chelsea certainly have the attacking ability to cause them problems.

I’m already licking my lips at the prospect of this match, and I bet both sides feel the same. I’m sure the fans may not be feeling too excited, but I bet the nerves are starting to show.

Only two hours left!

Like The Clash sing in their 1979 classic, London’s Calling.

Tonight is a big night in the capital, because every point means more than ever in the battle for the title and Europe.

Arsenal are still going strong in this three-way title race, and if they want to fight Manchester City to the end, nothing less than three points will do it tonight.

The Gunners face a Chelsea side fighting a battle of their own as they battle for a place in Europe next season. Three points for the Blues would see them vault Manchester United into seventh place.

There is so much at stake this time of the season, and I am sure we will see that in the performances of both sides. Every night is a big one during the run-in.

Okay, I can’t wait any longer, let’s get this show on the road!