Arsenal look for back-to-back London derby wins with City breathing down their neck

Feb 26 : The last time Arsenal beat Chelsea three times in the same season was also the last time they won the Premier League, in 2003-04. And while one may not necessarily lead to the other, Arsenal are going into Sunday's clash desperate for a win to keep Manchester City at bay.

Arsenal, who finished second in the last three seasons, have struggled with the pressure of the title race in the current campaign as well, settling for back-to-back draws at Brentford and bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers this month.

Last weekend, leaders Arsenal bounced back with a commanding 4-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur, but anything less than three points against Chelsea on Sunday will put them at risk of City, five points behind with a game in hand, closing the gap at the top.

City, meanwhile, are visiting a stubborn Leeds side who almost held them to a draw in November.

Any misstep by the top two sides will give Aston Villa, sitting five points below City ahead of Friday's visit to Wolves, a sniff at re-entering the title race, with 10 matches still to go in the league after this weekend.

ARSENAL LOOK TO AVOID TITLE RACE STUMBLE AGAINST CHELSEA

Last Sunday's win over Spurs in the North London derby provided a much-needed boost to leaders Arsenal, and a win over their West London-based rivals will further consolidate their title charge.

Fifth-placed Chelsea have not beaten Arsenal since 2021 and lost twice in their League Cup semi-final tie in January-February, but had held Arsenal to a league draw in November despite playing most of the game with 10 men.

Arsenal also stumbled the last two times they hosted a club currently in the top six, sharing points with Liverpool and losing to Manchester United last month.

Avoiding the ignominy of losing