Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain says his teammates need to stay composed in this weekend’s London derby against Chelsea.
The clash between the Gunners and the Blues has become infamous for its ferocity in recent seasons. Battles between Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho constantly made headlines and bad blood on the pitch always creates a tense atmosphere.
Indeed, last season’s meetings saw Gabriel shown a red card at Stamford Bridge for an argument with Deigo Costa, while Per Mertesacker was dismissed at the Emirates.
It is a pattern which Oxlade-Chamberlain claims Arsenal needs to stop in order to perform at their best against Antonio Conte’s redeveloped side.
“It’d be nice to keep 11 men on the pitch against Chelsea this time round,” he said in an interview with Arsenal Player.
“I know it sounds funny but generally speaking in the last few games against them, it’s always a big clash with a lot of emotions and maybe some mind games.
“First and foremost, it’s a massive game and we just need to keep our discipline and stay in the game. I’d back this team to be able to beat anyone in the league on our day.
“It’s going to be a big occasion but we can’t get too caught up in it, we just need to go out and play our game.”
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