Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes Chelsea should be higher in the Premier League following their performances this season.
The Blues head to the Emirates on Tuesday night to take on league leaders Arsenal in a game that will have implications on both the title race, and Europa League qualification.
The previous meeting between the sides ended in a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge, a game in which Mauricio Pochettino’s men threw away a two goal lead in the last ten minutes.
Chelsea head to north London sitting ninth in the table, whilst their rivals sit a point clear at the summit, although they have played a game more than Manchester City.
Pochettino’s men will be desperate for a win, against Arteta’s side following their defeat at Wembley, which would move them up to seventh.
However, despite struggling this season, Gunners boss Arteta believes the Blues should actually be higher in the table given the performances they have produced this season.
“They deserve to be a much higher position in the league when you look at what they have done in games”, the Spaniard said in his pre match press conference.
It’s hard to argue against the Arsenal boss when looking at some of Chelsea’s performances this season and the chances that have been squandered.
With a clinical striker it’s a safe bet to say the Blues would be comfortably in the top six at this stage of the campaign.
Chelsea head into the London derby with a number of headaches facing Pochettino.
Malo Gusto and Ben Chilwell are both missing through injury, while star man Cole Palmer is a major doubt with illness in a huge blow to the Blues.
Both Nicolas Jackson and Moises Caicedo need to avoid being booked against the Gunners, otherwise they will receive a two match ban at a crucial stage of the season.
