CHELSEA fans believe they can derail Arsenal’s title bid like they did Spurs’ in 2016 – after the fixture was changed to the same May 2 date.
The Gunners will visit Stamford Bridge three days later than planned following new police advice – giving them a six-day break after visiting main rivals Manchester City on April 26.
GettyChelsea supporters hope their side ruins Arsenal’s Prem title dream[/caption]
GettySpurs striker Harry Kane saw his 2016 titles hopes ended by Chelsea and England pal Bukayo Saka will hope his Arsenal team have better luck on May 2[/caption]
But Chelsea supporters believe memories of a famous thriller seven years ago can rouse this season’s current flops to another special night.
The Blues pulled off a 2-2 comeback draw on that memorable evening to kill off Tottenham’s faint chances and hand Leicester the biggest shock title triumph in Premier League history.
Harry Kane and Son Heung-min put Spurs in command but Gary Cahill and an Eden Hazard curler rescued a point.
Chelsea still only finished a dismal 10th that season, although they had been six places lower in December when Guus Hiddink became interim chief for the rest of the campaign following Jose Mourinho‘s sacking.
Seven years on and the Blues are now eleventh – once more under a temporary boss in Frank Lampard.
And in contrast to Spurs’ slim hopes in 2016, the Gunners lead the table by six points from champions City, who have a game in hand.
One Blues’ supporter posted: “Chelsea vs Arsenal has been moved to May 2nd. On that day 7 years ago, Chelsea shattered Tottenham’s title hope. It’s written in the stars guys, I will be there no matter what.”
Another wrote: “History is about to be repeated.”
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And a third claimed: “Chelsea to do Chelsea things, Arsenal’s the victim this time.”
One supporter said: “Am seeing Arsenal saying bye bye to the league.”
A fellow fan said of the delayed date: “Gives Chelsea time to plan better to stop this ‘title charge”.
But other observers called for a reality check.
One posted: “Unfortunately for you there is no Hazard in this Chelsea team. Chelsea were awful that season, they are awful this season too.”
And a few fans reckon the “extra rest” will only help Mikel Arteta‘s Gunners.