"If second-placed Chelsea beat league leaders Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, they will be just three points behind their London rivals. So can Enzo Maresca's side upset the odds to win the Premier League this season? Arsenal are on a 16-match unbeaten run as they bid to end their 21-year Premier League title drought, having last lost on 31 August at Liverpool."
"In simple terms, Chelsea are playing well - but not well enough to be champions. Chelsea's attack, even after losing Cole Palmer for more than two months through injury, is on the same level as Arsenal's. However, Arsenal's incredible defensive statistics set them apart. Historically, to win the title a team needs to average a +1 non-penalty expected goals (npXG) difference per game - meaning you are creating substantially more chances than you concede on a consistent basis."
Arsenal have a 16-match unbeaten run and seek to end a 21-year Premier League title drought, last losing on 31 August at Liverpool. Chelsea sit second and can reduce the gap to three points with a win at Stamford Bridge; they are on a six-game unbeaten run and had extra rest after a 3-0 Champions League victory over Barcelona. Chelsea's attack matches Arsenal's level despite Cole Palmer's injury, but Arsenal's exceptional defensive statistics and consistent +1 non-penalty expected goals differential set them apart. Chelsea must improve defensively and avoid dropping points to lesser opposition to sustain a title challenge.
Read at www.bbc.com
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