Playing against Arsenal is going to be tough – Pochettino

Chelsea will this weekend host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in their first game after the second international break this season.

Unlike Chelsea who are seated outside the top four on the league table, Arsenal led by Mikel Arteta are the current joint topper with Tottenham.

Pochettino in a pre-match statement acknowledged that playing against Arsenal would be tough but said the Blues are hopeful of emerging winners.

‘We are thinking to win tomorrow, with respect to Arsenal, which is a great team. It’s going to be tough because they are doing a great job. A very good squad, very good team, they are playing so well.

‘They are a contender to win everything, not only the Premier League but the Champions League, and I think they are doing a fantastic job and it’s going to be tough. But also we are confident that we can give our best and do a very good game.

‘I prefer the tough fixtures. It’s easier to prepare for this type of game because the players are motivated, we are so motivated, and the fans are going to help us. No-one assumes Chelsea are going to win 3-0 tomorrow.

‘What people think is it’s going to be tough and I enjoy when I compete in this type of atmosphere, and you compete against a team like Arsenal that is doing fantastic. I enjoy these games for sure,’ Pochettino said via Chelsea’s website.