From last-gasp screamers to unforgettable comebacks, here’s how Arsenal ruled Stamford Bridge over the years
Once again, two of the Premier League’s biggest teams, Arsenal and Chelsea, will square off at Stamford Bridge. Fans will be on the edge of their seats, waiting to see whether history repeats itself or whether a new chapter begins. Both teams presently have 18 points, equal in wins, draws, and defeats. For the Gooners, Stamford Bridge has already featured spectacular wins. Let’s look back at some of Arsenal’s finest victories there.
Every Arsenal fan who witnessed it will remember this one: a 3-0 thrashing that was nothing short of masterful. Dennis Bergkamp was in his customary silky form, threading the perfect ball to Ian Wright, who scored Arsenal’s first goal. It wasn’t long until Bergkamp was back at it, setting up Wright again. Wright unselfishly passed the ball to David Platt, who scored the second goal. Then came the cherry on top. With Chelsea’s defenders in disarray, Bergkamp found himself one-on-one with the keeper and calmly slotted it in. It was a tidy 3-0 victory, with Bergkamp pulling the strings and Arsenal taking the lead in the championship chase.
There’s nothing like a last-minute surprise, especially from an unexpected hero. Chelsea seized the lead in a back-and-forth fight, only for Bergkamp to level just before halftime. He then increased Arsenal’s lead just after the interval, but Chelsea responded promptly via Gianfranco Zola. A draw appeared inevitable until Nigel Winterburn stepped forward. With the ball over 50 yards away, Winterburn took a shot that sailed past the Chelsea goalie and into the top corner (3-2). The Gooner supporters roared as Winterburn’s heroics transformed an ordinary contest into an amazing one.
If you want to make an Arsenal supporter grin, simply cite Kanu’s magic at Stamford Bridge. Kanu ignited an incredible comeback after falling down 2-0 with 15 minutes remaining. After slipping one past the Chelsea goalie, he equalised the score. In the final stages, he clinched the victory with a spectacular third goal from a tight angle to complete his hat-trick (3-2). It was an unforgettable night for Arsenal and one that Chelsea fans would prefer to forget!
In 2011, Arsenal scored a lot of goals at Stamford Bridge. Frank Lampard put Chelsea ahead, but Gervinho enabled Robin van Persie to equalise. John Terry restored Chelsea’s advantage, but Arsenal stormed ahead after halftime with goals from Andre Santos and Theo Walcott, making the score 3-2. Chelsea’s Juan Mata equalised, but van Persie scored again, capitalising on a Terry error, and clinched a 5-3 triumph with a fifth goal in the dying minutes. Arsenal supporters will remember this as the day Van Persie excelled at the Bridge.
In recent years, Arsenal’s younger players have succeeded at Stamford Bridge. Eddie Nketiah started the goal following a Chelsea blunder. While Timo Werner equalised for Chelsea with a deflected shot, Emile Smith Rowe restored Arsenal’s lead. Cesar Azpilicueta equalised, but Nketiah swiftly restored Arsenal’s lead once again. Bukayo Saka’s penalty completed a 4-2 victory for Arsenal, displaying the future generation’s potential in important games.
As Arsenal gears up to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, excitement builds for another chapter in this fierce rivalry. With both teams well-matched, fans are hopeful for memorable moments on this iconic ground. Whether it’s a stunning goal or a team victory, the Gooners are eager for another classic performance this Sunday night.
