Kai Havertz has explained how Chelsea plan to end Arsenal's title hopes once and for all. The Gunners will welcome Frank Lampard's side to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening, with either club desperate to return to winning ways.
The Blues head into the blockbuster derby off the back of a disappointing defeat to Brentford. Chelsea have lost each of their previous five games under Lampard and, with relegation a – slight – possibility, Todd Boehly will be demanding an upturn in form.
While Arsenal have led the Premier League title race for much of the season, they've recently been knocked off the top spot. Manchester City waltzed past the Gunners at the Etihad Stadium last week before picking up a crucial win over Fulham.
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The reigning champions, who have a game in hand, are now one-point adrift of the north Londoners so a win will see Mikel Arteta reclaim first place. For many Arsenal supporters, the title race is out of reach but City are yet to play Chelsea – so the Blues could very easily swing the race back in their rival's favour.
In an interview with German outlet Kicker, Havertz claimed that he is hoping to get the Blues fans back onside with a London derby win. The 23-year-old said: "Especially because it's a derby, you can hopefully get the fans on your side again.
"We hope to tease Arsenal a little bit. They're in the title fight now, which is where we want to be. And if you can beat your opponent, that's always good for the fans."
Then, when asked who will win the Premier League, Havertz laughed and replied: "Everything is still open. I have other problems at the moment to think about."
Ahead of what is set to be a difficult fixture for Chelsea, Lampard was asked whether now is the perfect chance to play Arsenal. The Blues boss said: "It could be either way. I think they're very much in the hunt still to win the Premier League.
"Fantastic team, who have had a great season. If they’re wounded slightly that could give a big reaction, if we can make things difficult for them, it could feel different. That one is a hard one to call.
"Of course [they are still in with a shout of the title]," added Lampard. "There's enough games left for jeopardy to be there at the top end and bottom end of the table I would say. I think they're fully in it.
"Manchester City are showing incredible form and we all respect that. You also have to respect what Arsenal have done this year and they'll believe they're still in it and rightly so."
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