Frank Lampard during his time at Chelsea. (GETTY Images)
Speaking in the pre-match interview before the derby (h/t football.london), Chelsea manager Frank Lampard gave his verdict on Arsenal being in a potential relegation battle.
Arsenal face Chelsea in the London derby on Saturday, sitting 15th in the Premier League table after 14 games.
The Gunners have not won a single league match in their past 7 league encounters and find themselves just four points above the relegation zone.
Amidst this, there have been murmurings about Arsenal being in a potential relegation battle this season. That is not without reason, as the they last won a league game at the Emirates in the first week of October.
Lampard was asked about their London rivals facing the grim prospect of a drop, but the Chelsea boss deflected the question.
“I don’t want to talk about what their battle is, they’re just a good team with a good manager.”
The former Derby County manager made it clear that he was concerned only about facing Arsenal at “face value”, acknowledging their quality.
“My concern is the team at face value, in terms of quality, and they are a high-quality team.”
He was adamant that he did not want to talk about their relegation battle, and stated the old cliché of the form book going out of the window on derby days.
Lampard is probably wise not to undermine Arsenal as the Gunners have not lost in both their matches against Chelsea in 2020. Arteta’s side drew 2-2 in the January league encounter and beat the Blues in the FA Cup final in August.
Chelsea are currently 5th in the table after a 3-0 win against West Ham United.
A win against Arsenal in the derby on Saturday could potentially see the Blues go up to 2nd in the table, provided the likes of Manchester United, Leicester City drop points.
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