Arsenal host Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon. We've looked back through the archives and selected five memorable Premier League goals scored in home matches against this weekend's opposition. Which one is your favourite? Let us know by voting on the poll at the bottom of the page.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst
Arsenal 3-2 Chelsea
Wednesday, January 1, 2003
Giovanni van Bronckhorst only scored twice for Arsenal - and this goal was certainly one to remember. Arsène Wenger’s team were already ahead through Marcel Desailly’s first-half own goal when van Bronckhorst dispossessed Frank Lampard 10 yards inside his own half. Thierry Henry collected the ball on the halfway line and after moving towards goal, stroked a low pass into the Dutchman’s path. Van Bronckhorst had Kolo Toure haring into the penalty area but ignored his fellow defender, electing instead to laser a low shot just inside Carlo Cudicini’s left-hand post from the corner of the penalty area. Henry made it three before Mario Stanic and former Gunner Emmanuel Petit scored late on to ensure a tense finale. This win stretched Arsenal’s unbeaten record in matches between the teams to 11 games and cemented the Gunners' place at the top of the league, though they would be beaten to the title by Manchester United.
Thierry Henry
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Saturday, May 6, 2000
There were just 12 seconds between Tony Adams winning the ball on the edge of his own penalty area and Thierry Henry slotting the ball between Ed De Goey’s legs. Everything about this move was perfect - the timing of Adams’ tackle, the weight of Dennis Bergkamp’s through-ball and the precision of Henry’s finish. Equally impressive was the strength displayed by the striker to shrug Marcel Desailly - at the time one of the world’s best defenders - off the ball before finishing clinically. That goal, scored within a minute of the restart, gave Arsenal a 2-0 lead and though Gustavo Poyet halved the deficit in the closing stages, Arsène Wenger’s team held on for victory.
Paul Merson
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Saturday, October 3, 1992
Not many goals could better encapsulate the speed of thought, the technical ability and the cheek that made Paul Merson a delight to watch during his 12-years at Arsenal. Receiving the ball midway inside the opposition half, ‘The Magic Man’ knocked the ball past Gareth Hall, looked up and, spotting Kevin Hitchcock off his line, chipped the ball impudently over the back-pedalling goalkeeper. What a way to score Arsenal’s first Premier League goal against Chelsea. Dennis Wise looked to have equalised with 11 minutes to play but Ian Wright would have the final say, giving George Graham’s men victory shortly before full-time.
Theo Walcott
Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea
Monday, December 27, 2010
When John Terry controlled the ball just inside his own half and passed forward to Florent Malouda, there looked to be little danger for Chelsea. It was just after half-time and Cesc Fabregas had already increased Arsenal’s lead to 2-0. But then Malouda dallied and Theo Walcott - the provider of the Gunners’ second goal - pounced, stealing the ball from the midfielder and poking it to Fabregas. Now it was the playmaker’s turn to instantly return the favour. Fabregas advanced at goal before playing a perfectly-timed pass to the onrushing England international. Walcott let the ball run in front of him and, from just inside the area, fired a crisp first-time shot past Petr Cech and into the far corner. Cue hysteria. Branislav Ivanovic provided the visitors with hope when he headed past Lukasz Fabianski soon after but Arsenal comfortably held on. This was Arsenal’s second victory over Chelsea at Emirates Stadium and came at a crucial time, the win closing the gap on leaders and eventual champions Manchester United to two points.
Lee Dixon
Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea
Saturday, December 16, 1995
Lee Dixon scored 28 goals in his 619 Arsenal appearances - this one was probably the pick of the bunch. Arsenal had looked set for a first home defeat against Chelsea in five years after John Spencer gave the visitors the lead just before the half hour. With Dennis Bergkamp unavailable, Bruce Rioch’s side struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, and their task was made yet tougher when Steve Bould was sent off with 15 minutes to play. When the hosts did work a clear chance just before full-time, Paul Merson’s shot hit the woodwork with Glenn Helder’s follow-up effort pushed wide by Dmitri Kharine. From the resulting flag kick, Arsenal drew level - and in some style. Helder’s low corner was touched back to Dixon and, from 20 yards, the full back lashed a half-volley into the roof of the net. Arsenal finished the 1995/96 season in fifth, qualifying for the Uefa Cup in the process. Chelsea ended the campaign in 11th place.
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