Chelsea against Arsenal

To call Arsenal a one-man team would perhaps be cruel but Van Persie is just so crucial. Wenger needs to tie him down to a new long-term contract ASAP.

<b>Chelsea 3-5 Arsenal. </b> The Blues caught cold on the counter. Arteta released Van Persie and he smashed it past Cech to complete his hat-trick.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Van Persie wraps it up.

Arsenal breaking in numbers - it's four on two...

Four minutes of stoopage time to play...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Alex Song gives away a free-kick.

Andre Santos with a tasty bit of skill on the left wing but Ivanovic stands up and tackles well.

<i>Stat Attack: Van Persie's second goal was his 27th in 27 Premier League matches in 2011. What a record. </i>

Koscielny with a superb block after Mata shot at the back post.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Vermaelen on for Gervinho.

Chelsea pouring forward and they've won a free-kick, once again down the left.

Managed to deliver the commentator's curse to Chelsea there - I should have sat on the fence!

<b>Chelsea 3-4 Arsenal. </b>Terry slipped after a poor pass back to him from Malouda and Van Persie oozed calm to take it round Cech and slot into an an empty goal.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Van Persie.

I wouldn't like to say which way this is going to go but if I had to stick my neck out, I'd say Chelsea 4-3 Arsenal. We'll see...

Arsenal players were unhappy in the build-up to the Chelsea goal after Lukaku used his significant physical strength to ease Andre Santos away from the ball. The Gunners thought it was a free-kick, but I'd say it was fair physicality from the Belgian teenager.

Terry asking for a corner but he took the ball out for a goal-kick.

Chelsea have a free-kick now as they look to go for a winner. Seriously, what a game.

<b>Chelsea 3-3 Arsenal. </b> Juan shot, Juan goal. Excellent strike from Mata around 25 yards out and with a slight deflection.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Juan Mata scores.

Chelsea have really lost their rhythm in the second half - there have been far fewer chances for the Blues.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Rosicky on for Walcott.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Ivanovic booked for being heavy handed with Van Persie.

Lukaku gives the ball away but Chelsea immediately win it back. Meireles searches for Torres but he's offside. There's a bit of a barney going on now between large throngs of Arsenal and Chelsea players.

Arsenal on the push now, with Walcott and Jenkinson exchanging passes on the edge of the box. Not where Chelsea want to be.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Meireles on for Mikel.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Jenkinson on for Djourou - a move that will surely shore up Arsenal's defence.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/1029/walcottceleb20111029_275x155.jpg"><br> Theo Walcott celebrates putting the Gunners into the lead.

Terrible delivery from Van Persie.

Van Persie sets up Ramsey as he rushes into the box but Terry diverts it out for a corner.

Chelsea need a goal and Villas Boas has thrown on his young Belgian striker in a bid to get it.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Lukaku on for Ramires.

Walcott has been really impressive today - full of energy, incisive running and most surprisingly, accurate crossing.

Literally end-to-end stuff as Torres finds space inside the Arsenal penalty area and lays it on to Malouda. Song with a risky challenge from behind but he's emerged with the ball.

Gervinho goes down at the hands of Bosingwa but the referee ignores his claims.

Szcz&#281;sny tries and fails to claim the ball but now Arsenal are on the counter.

Yet another Blues free-kick from a central position 35 yards out.

Torres frustrated after tussling with Koscielny and the defender then kick the ball into Torres' face (accidentally). It was very amusing but Chelsea's No. 9 is furious.

Really impressive battling from Malouda in midfield as the Blues continue to push for a leveller.

Arsenal with possession now as Gervinho accelerates down the left. But Ramsey loses the ball after receiving it.

Ramires switches play to the right as Arsenal drop deep to try to protect their lead. This will be a real test of the resolve of Wenger's backline.

Another Chelsea free-kick on the left wing as Song trips Mata.

It's been a disappointing day for Sturridge - both for Chelsea and my fantasy league team!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Malouda on for Sturridge.

Gervinho in the clear but Cech out very quickly to hoof it out of play.

And Ramsey subsequently crosses straight at Cech.

And here come Arsenal - Ramsey with a good turn of pace to get away from Cole and he could have gone down but chose to stay on his feet.

Szcz&#281;sny with a vital punch just ahead of Sturridge.

Chelsea free-kick now as Cole is fouled down the left. Lampard to swing it in.

Normal service quickly resumed though, as he is dispossessed.

Chelsea looking all at sea and Arsenal's confidence is sky high now - exemplified by Koscielny striding out of defence with the ball.

Cole again sprinting into space - he's had an excellent game - but his ambitious chip from 25 yards sails over.

This is a humdinger of a match and Chelsea have been stunned at the start of the second half.

<b>Chelsea 2-3 Arsenal</b> What.A.Game. Superb goal from Walcott, he escaped the clutches of three blue shirts to sprint into the area and then fired an fantasic shot past Cech at the near post.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Walcott scores - amazing.

For those of you interested in Everton v United, it's just finished 1-0 to the reigning Premier League champions thanks to a first-half goal from Javier Hernandez.

Torres looking lively as he opens up an attack and then nearly finishes it off. He couldn't quite connect with his head after Lampard floated a cross in.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/1029/lampardheader20111029_275x155.jpg"><br> Frank Lampard's stooping header gave Chelsea the lead.

No let up in pace at the start of the second-half - it's frantic and furious football at the Bridge.

Free-kick delivered from Lampard and Szcz&#281;sny parries it away.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Szcz&#281;sny - may have been lucky there the goalkeeper.

Szcz&#281;sny out of his area and brings down the onrushing Cole. Will it be yellow or red?

<b>Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal</b> Chelsea doing an Arsenal there, Sturridge and Bosingwa leave Andre Santos in oodles of space and he slots his shot through Cech's legs. Perhaps should have done better.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Andre Santos equalises.

Shot from distance from Torres is well struck, but Szcz&#281;sny is down well and holds onto the ball.

It did only just land on top of the goal to be fair to him though.

And another effort,this time from Ramsey. Gervinho escaped down the left and pulled it back to the Welshman. But his attempted lob of Petr Cech from inside the six yard box was a tad optimistic.

Van Persie immediately races clear but the angle he's at is a little narrow, enabling Cech to save his shot with his legs.

Right, we're off for the second half...

<i>Stat Attack:</i> Arsenal have conceded the second-highest number of goals from set-pieces this season with eight. Only Bolton have let in more, with nine.

You'll be able to follow the rest of the afternoon's Premier League action with Chris Murphy later on, who will be bringing you live updates and chat.

Plenty of Arsenal fans venting their spleens at the appalling defending on show at Stamford Bridge. This one is from <i>@Maroons2000: "Per Mertesacker is terrible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mark somebody properly!!!"</i> Not sure he's included enough exclamation marks!!

Still plenty of Premier League action to come today, including West Brom v Liverpool. <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story/_/id/975024/kevin-keegan:-roy-hodgson-will-relish-liverpool-reunion?cc=5739" target="_blank">Check out ESPN pundit Kevin Keegan's preview of the game</a>, which will see Baggies boss Roy Hodgson come up against his former club.

Loving this Tweet from ESPNsoccernet deputy editor and frustrated Arsenal supporter <i>Jon Carter: "DO WE STILL NOT PUT A MAN ON THE POST???!!! #schoolboyerror"</i>

Let me know your thoughts on the game by Tweeting me - <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/marklomasESPN" target="_blank">@MarkLomasESPN</a>.

Another gentle reminder for our UK-based readers that <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/941526/enhanced-espn-premier-league-goals-app---now-free?cc=5739" target="_blank">you can download our ESPN Goals app </a> to see the goals from this game and Everton v Man Utd, in which United are currently 1-0 up.

<b>HALF-TIME: Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal.</b> No more than Chelsea deserve really, the Blues have definitely been the better side, looking more assured in possession and less Emmenthal-like at the back. The Gunners defence continues to look poor/porous.

Half-time whistle blows...

<b>Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal:</b> Think that looked like an own goal actually for Mertesacker - corner came in and the German was all over the place under pressure from Terry and it looked to come off his chest and roll past Szcz&#281;sny. However, it looks as though the Chelsea captain has claimes it.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Terry bundles it in.

Chelsea corner now after excellent work from Cole.

For those of you who haven't seen the Carling Cup draw, it's Arsenal v Man City, Chelsea v Liverpool, Cardiff v Blackburn and Man Utd v Crystal Palace.

Walcott with another good delivery, but Van Persie is beaten to it by Ivanovic. I think Theo has had his Weetabix this morning.

<i>Stat Attack: Arsenal goalkeeper Szcz&#281;sny has made more saves in "big chance" scoring situations than any other Premier League shot-stopper.</i>

Mertesacker's down after a collision with Torres. A hint of an elbow but it looked to be an accidental coming together.

Arsenal free-kick now, Van Persie to strike it from around 30 yards

Chelsea protest a little but I think the assistant was right.

Ramires crosses towards Sturridge and he turns it in but was offside.

Chelsea back on the attack with Mata - again keeping possession well.

Chelsea will be raging about that, they've dominated this game so far.

<b>Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal.</b> Ramsey with a superb through-ball to Gervinho, who unselfishly squared to Van Persie to slot into an open goal.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Van Persie.

Andre Santos finally does something right by tackling Torres but second later Bosingwa fizzes in a cross. Held by Szcz&#281;sny.

And again from Sturridge, a good piece of initial skill to create some space but then comes a poor pass immediately afterwards. It's not really going his way so far.

Sturridge again sprinting away from Andre Santos but again he gets himself in a mess when deciding what to do.

Walcott with a chance to deliver down the right, but the ball deflects off Terry and harmlessly into Cech's hands.

If you are in the UK, <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/941526/enhanced-espn-premier-league-goals-app---now-free?cc=5739" target="_blank">Frank Lampard's goal is now available on ESPN Goals.</a>

Big let off that for Arsenal, their defence looking shaky to say the least.

A chance goes begging for Sturridge - spectacular sweeping pass from Lampard and the England Under-21 striker was bearing down on goal. But an attempted half-volley finish was sliced just wide of the far post.

But he was offside. Sorry Gunners fans.

Gervinho clean through...

<i>Stat Attack: Chelsea with 69% of possession to Arsenal's 31% so far.</i>

I reckon if Petr Cech fancied a spell on the left wing, he'd probably find himself dribbling past Djourou too. An awful performance.

Ashley Cole again doing his best impression of Xavi by sitting in a central position ten yards from the penalty area and dictating play. Bizarre.

Torres away from Djourou now, but again the cross isn't goood enough.

Lovely chipped through-ball from Van Persie towards Gervinho, but he controls with his arm.

Nearly an embarrassing mix-up between Cole and Cech - Cole was pointing for his goalkeeper to pick up the ball but he didn't come so the left-back was forced to boot it clear.

Mata takes it past Song but his right foot cross is scuffed - Chelsea continuing to get in some dangerous positions but need their final ball to be better.

Can't believe we're only 21 minutes in, there's barely been time to take a breath.

Mata looks to chip it through to Torres but Koscielny gets an important block in. The Spaniard would have been in the clear then.

<i>Stat attack: Arsenal have come from behind to claim more points (22) against Chelsea in the Premier League era than any other team. </i>

Header for Mertesacker but he can't get enough purchase on it and it's wide of the post.

Arsenal corner now after Ivanovic got another good foot in, on Gervinho this time.

Van Persie nearly through the middle but Ivanovic tackles back.

Again Sturridge has the freedom of the right wing to accelerate into space but again his delivery is poor. He needs to take some lessons from Walcott!

Must just highlight that it seemed that Mertesacker was the guilty party for Lampard's opener - he let the midfielder get away from him too easily.

Sturridge races clear down the right but his cross is picked up by Szcz&#281;sny.

What an opening to this game, my fingertips are fried already!

<b>Chelsea 1-0 Arsenal</b> Mata received the ball on the right, cut inside and crossed to Lampard, who stooped to head home unmarked.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Lampard nods it home.

That's got to be the most productive 90 seconds of Walcott's career.

Another chance and another excellent delivery from Walcott but this time Van Persie's sidefooted volley is over the ball.

Walcott showing searing pace to take it past Bosingwa and on a rare occasion that the winger actually delivers a perfect final ball, Gervinho drags what should have been a simple finish woefully wide.

Gervinho has missed an absolute sitter!

Lamppard lines it up but it's straight into the wall.

Arteta hauls down Ramires and Chelsea have a free-kick around 30 yards out.

Ashley Cole sitting in an attacking midfielder role with time and space to pass. He switches it wide to Bosingwa, who floats in a cross. Lampard heads over under pressure.

Things not really going Arsenal's way in the opening exchanges.

Van Persie looks to switch it to Walcott but his pass is well overhit.

Arsenal looking defensively dire in the opening minutes and particularly weak at full back.

This time it's Andre Santos who allows Sturridge to skip into space on the opposite wing but with all the time in the world to pick out an unmarked Sturridge, he scuffs his attempted pass into the hands of Wojciech Szcz&#281;sny.

Djourou is having an ABSOLUTE shocker early on.

Cole again in acres of space and this time it is Mertesacker who turns away his low cross.

Arsenal down the other end, Van Persie makes some space tight to the by-line and squares it across goal... but there's no-one in the danger zone and Cole can clear.

It initially looked like Torres had missed a sitter from eight yards but it was a superb interception from Koscielny.

Early chance, Ashley Cole slipped in down the left, he passes to Torres and Koscielny clears it for a corner.

Chelsea get us underway and an early touch for Terry is greeted with loud applause. The Blues fans always back their skipper to the hilt.

Back at the Bridge, we're off...

Manchester United are 1-0 up already against Everton in today's other early gamethanks to a Javier Hernandez goal and <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/941526/enhanced-espn-premier-league-goals-app---now-free?cc=5739" target="_blank">if you are in the UK you can see that strike already on ESPN Goals.</a>

Van Persie and Terry lead the teams out - it's probably best that this one is at Stamford Bridge or the Chelsea captain may have found himself coming in for some serious abuse in the wake of his alleged racist comments to Anton Ferdinand last week.

Arsenal have opted for Van Persie up top on his own, with Walcott and Gervinho offering support on the right and left flanks respectively.

Fernando Torres returns to lead Chelsea's front line after serving his suspension, while Jose Bosingwa is also back in the starting line-up after serving a one-match ban of his own.

That is the Stamford Bridge still owned by Chelsea supporters - after the club failed to convince shareholders in the Chelsea Pitch Owners group to agree to sell them the stadium on Thursday.

Hello everybody, Mark Lomas here and I will be taking you through live text commentary of Chelsea v Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

Terry asking for a corner but he took the ball out for a goal-kick.

Chelsea have a free-kick now as they look to go for a winner. Seriously, what a game.

<b>Chelsea 3-3 Arsenal. </b> Juan shot, Juan goal. Excellent strike from Mata around 25 yards out and with a slight deflection.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Juan Mata scores.

Chelsea have really lost their rhythm in the second half - there have been far fewer chances for the Blues.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Rosicky on for Walcott.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Ivanovic booked for being heavy handed with Van Persie.

Lukaku gives the ball away but Chelsea immediately win it back. Meireles searches for Torres but he's offside. There's a bit of a barney going on now between large throngs of Arsenal and Chelsea players.

Arsenal on the push now, with Walcott and Jenkinson exchanging passes on the edge of the box. Not where Chelsea want to be.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Meireles on for Mikel.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Jenkinson on for Djourou - a move that will surely shore up Arsenal's defence.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/1029/walcottceleb20111029_275x155.jpg"><br> Theo Walcott celebrates putting the Gunners into the lead.

Terrible delivery from Van Persie.

Van Persie sets up Ramsey as he rushes into the box but Terry diverts it out for a corner.

Chelsea need a goal and Villas Boas has thrown on his young Belgian striker in a bid to get it.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Lukaku on for Ramires.

Walcott has been really impressive today - full of energy, incisive running and most surprisingly, accurate crossing.

Literally end-to-end stuff as Torres finds space inside the Arsenal penalty area and lays it on to Malouda. Song with a risky challenge from behind but he's emerged with the ball.

Gervinho goes down at the hands of Bosingwa but the referee ignores his claims.

Szcz&#281;sny tries and fails to claim the ball but now Arsenal are on the counter.

Yet another Blues free-kick from a central position 35 yards out.

Torres frustrated after tussling with Koscielny and the defender then kick the ball into Torres' face (accidentally). It was very amusing but Chelsea's No. 9 is furious.

Really impressive battling from Malouda in midfield as the Blues continue to push for a leveller.

Arsenal with possession now as Gervinho accelerates down the left. But Ramsey loses the ball after receiving it.

Ramires switches play to the right as Arsenal drop deep to try to protect their lead. This will be a real test of the resolve of Wenger's backline.

Another Chelsea free-kick on the left wing as Song trips Mata.

It's been a disappointing day for Sturridge - both for Chelsea and my fantasy league team!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Malouda on for Sturridge.

Gervinho in the clear but Cech out very quickly to hoof it out of play.

And Ramsey subsequently crosses straight at Cech.

And here come Arsenal - Ramsey with a good turn of pace to get away from Cole and he could have gone down but chose to stay on his feet.

Szcz&#281;sny with a vital punch just ahead of Sturridge.

Chelsea free-kick now as Cole is fouled down the left. Lampard to swing it in.

Normal service quickly resumed though, as he is dispossessed.

Chelsea looking all at sea and Arsenal's confidence is sky high now - exemplified by Koscielny striding out of defence with the ball.

Cole again sprinting into space - he's had an excellent game - but his ambitious chip from 25 yards sails over.

This is a humdinger of a match and Chelsea have been stunned at the start of the second half.

<b>Chelsea 2-3 Arsenal</b> What.A.Game. Superb goal from Walcott, he escaped the clutches of three blue shirts to sprint into the area and then fired an fantasic shot past Cech at the near post.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Walcott scores - amazing.

For those of you interested in Everton v United, it's just finished 1-0 to the reigning Premier League champions thanks to a first-half goal from Javier Hernandez.

Torres looking lively as he opens up an attack and then nearly finishes it off. He couldn't quite connect with his head after Lampard floated a cross in.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/1029/lampardheader20111029_275x155.jpg"><br> Frank Lampard's stooping header gave Chelsea the lead.

No let up in pace at the start of the second-half - it's frantic and furious football at the Bridge.

Free-kick delivered from Lampard and Szcz&#281;sny parries it away.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Szcz&#281;sny - may have been lucky there the goalkeeper.

Szcz&#281;sny out of his area and brings down the onrushing Cole. Will it be yellow or red?

<b>Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal</b> Chelsea doing an Arsenal there, Sturridge and Bosingwa leave Andre Santos in oodles of space and he slots his shot through Cech's legs. Perhaps should have done better.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Andre Santos equalises.

Shot from distance from Torres is well struck, but Szcz&#281;sny is down well and holds onto the ball.

It did only just land on top of the goal to be fair to him though.

And another effort,this time from Ramsey. Gervinho escaped down the left and pulled it back to the Welshman. But his attempted lob of Petr Cech from inside the six yard box was a tad optimistic.

Van Persie immediately races clear but the angle he's at is a little narrow, enabling Cech to save his shot with his legs.

Right, we're off for the second half...

<i>Stat Attack:</i> Arsenal have conceded the second-highest number of goals from set-pieces this season with eight. Only Bolton have let in more, with nine.

You'll be able to follow the rest of the afternoon's Premier League action with Chris Murphy later on, who will be bringing you live updates and chat.

Plenty of Arsenal fans venting their spleens at the appalling defending on show at Stamford Bridge. This one is from <i>@Maroons2000: "Per Mertesacker is terrible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mark somebody properly!!!"</i> Not sure he's included enough exclamation marks!!

Still plenty of Premier League action to come today, including West Brom v Liverpool. <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story/_/id/975024/kevin-keegan:-roy-hodgson-will-relish-liverpool-reunion?cc=5739" target="_blank">Check out ESPN pundit Kevin Keegan's preview of the game</a>, which will see Baggies boss Roy Hodgson come up against his former club.

Loving this Tweet from ESPNsoccernet deputy editor and frustrated Arsenal supporter <i>Jon Carter: "DO WE STILL NOT PUT A MAN ON THE POST???!!! #schoolboyerror"</i>

Let me know your thoughts on the game by Tweeting me - <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/marklomasESPN" target="_blank">@MarkLomasESPN</a>.

Another gentle reminder for our UK-based readers that <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/941526/enhanced-espn-premier-league-goals-app---now-free?cc=5739" target="_blank">you can download our ESPN Goals app </a> to see the goals from this game and Everton v Man Utd, in which United are currently 1-0 up.

<b>HALF-TIME: Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal.</b> No more than Chelsea deserve really, the Blues have definitely been the better side, looking more assured in possession and less Emmenthal-like at the back. The Gunners defence continues to look poor/porous.

Half-time whistle blows...

<b>Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal:</b> Think that looked like an own goal actually for Mertesacker - corner came in and the German was all over the place under pressure from Terry and it looked to come off his chest and roll past Szcz&#281;sny. However, it looks as though the Chelsea captain has claimes it.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Terry bundles it in.

Chelsea corner now after excellent work from Cole.

For those of you who haven't seen the Carling Cup draw, it's Arsenal v Man City, Chelsea v Liverpool, Cardiff v Blackburn and Man Utd v Crystal Palace.

Walcott with another good delivery, but Van Persie is beaten to it by Ivanovic. I think Theo has had his Weetabix this morning.

<i>Stat Attack: Arsenal goalkeeper Szcz&#281;sny has made more saves in "big chance" scoring situations than any other Premier League shot-stopper.</i>

Mertesacker's down after a collision with Torres. A hint of an elbow but it looked to be an accidental coming together.

Arsenal free-kick now, Van Persie to strike it from around 30 yards

Chelsea protest a little but I think the assistant was right.

Ramires crosses towards Sturridge and he turns it in but was offside.

Chelsea back on the attack with Mata - again keeping possession well.

Chelsea will be raging about that, they've dominated this game so far.

<b>Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal.</b> Ramsey with a superb through-ball to Gervinho, who unselfishly squared to Van Persie to slot into an open goal.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Van Persie.

Andre Santos finally does something right by tackling Torres but second later Bosingwa fizzes in a cross. Held by Szcz&#281;sny.

And again from Sturridge, a good piece of initial skill to create some space but then comes a poor pass immediately afterwards. It's not really going his way so far.

Sturridge again sprinting away from Andre Santos but again he gets himself in a mess when deciding what to do.

Walcott with a chance to deliver down the right, but the ball deflects off Terry and harmlessly into Cech's hands.

If you are in the UK, <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/941526/enhanced-espn-premier-league-goals-app---now-free?cc=5739" target="_blank">Frank Lampard's goal is now available on ESPN Goals.</a>

Big let off that for Arsenal, their defence looking shaky to say the least.

A chance goes begging for Sturridge - spectacular sweeping pass from Lampard and the England Under-21 striker was bearing down on goal. But an attempted half-volley finish was sliced just wide of the far post.

But he was offside. Sorry Gunners fans.

Gervinho clean through...

<i>Stat Attack: Chelsea with 69% of possession to Arsenal's 31% so far.</i>

I reckon if Petr Cech fancied a spell on the left wing, he'd probably find himself dribbling past Djourou too. An awful performance.

Ashley Cole again doing his best impression of Xavi by sitting in a central position ten yards from the penalty area and dictating play. Bizarre.

Torres away from Djourou now, but again the cross isn't goood enough.

Lovely chipped through-ball from Van Persie towards Gervinho, but he controls with his arm.

Nearly an embarrassing mix-up between Cole and Cech - Cole was pointing for his goalkeeper to pick up the ball but he didn't come so the left-back was forced to boot it clear.

Mata takes it past Song but his right foot cross is scuffed - Chelsea continuing to get in some dangerous positions but need their final ball to be better.

Can't believe we're only 21 minutes in, there's barely been time to take a breath.

Mata looks to chip it through to Torres but Koscielny gets an important block in. The Spaniard would have been in the clear then.

<i>Stat attack: Arsenal have come from behind to claim more points (22) against Chelsea in the Premier League era than any other team. </i>

Header for Mertesacker but he can't get enough purchase on it and it's wide of the post.

Arsenal corner now after Ivanovic got another good foot in, on Gervinho this time.

Van Persie nearly through the middle but Ivanovic tackles back.

Again Sturridge has the freedom of the right wing to accelerate into space but again his delivery is poor. He needs to take some lessons from Walcott!

Must just highlight that it seemed that Mertesacker was the guilty party for Lampard's opener - he let the midfielder get away from him too easily.

Sturridge races clear down the right but his cross is picked up by Szcz&#281;sny.

What an opening to this game, my fingertips are fried already!

<b>Chelsea 1-0 Arsenal</b> Mata received the ball on the right, cut inside and crossed to Lampard, who stooped to head home unmarked.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Lampard nods it home.

That's got to be the most productive 90 seconds of Walcott's career.

Another chance and another excellent delivery from Walcott but this time Van Persie's sidefooted volley is over the ball.

Walcott showing searing pace to take it past Bosingwa and on a rare occasion that the winger actually delivers a perfect final ball, Gervinho drags what should have been a simple finish woefully wide.

Gervinho has missed an absolute sitter!

Lamppard lines it up but it's straight into the wall.

Arteta hauls down Ramires and Chelsea have a free-kick around 30 yards out.

Ashley Cole sitting in an attacking midfielder role with time and space to pass. He switches it wide to Bosingwa, who floats in a cross. Lampard heads over under pressure.

Things not really going Arsenal's way in the opening exchanges.

Van Persie looks to switch it to Walcott but his pass is well overhit.

Arsenal looking defensively dire in the opening minutes and particularly weak at full back.

This time it's Andre Santos who allows Sturridge to skip into space on the opposite wing but with all the time in the world to pick out an unmarked Sturridge, he scuffs his attempted pass into the hands of Wojciech Szcz&#281;sny.

Djourou is having an ABSOLUTE shocker early on.

Cole again in acres of space and this time it is Mertesacker who turns away his low cross.

Arsenal down the other end, Van Persie makes some space tight to the by-line and squares it across goal... but there's no-one in the danger zone and Cole can clear.

It initially looked like Torres had missed a sitter from eight yards but it was a superb interception from Koscielny.

Early chance, Ashley Cole slipped in down the left, he passes to Torres and Koscielny clears it for a corner.

Chelsea get us underway and an early touch for Terry is greeted with loud applause. The Blues fans always back their skipper to the hilt.

Back at the Bridge, we're off...

Manchester United are 1-0 up already against Everton in today's other early gamethanks to a Javier Hernandez goal and <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/941526/enhanced-espn-premier-league-goals-app---now-free?cc=5739" target="_blank">if you are in the UK you can see that strike already on ESPN Goals.</a>

Van Persie and Terry lead the teams out - it's probably best that this one is at Stamford Bridge or the Chelsea captain may have found himself coming in for some serious abuse in the wake of his alleged racist comments to Anton Ferdinand last week.

Arsenal have opted for Van Persie up top on his own, with Walcott and Gervinho offering support on the right and left flanks respectively.

Fernando Torres returns to lead Chelsea's front line after serving his suspension, while Jose Bosingwa is also back in the starting line-up after serving a one-match ban of his own.

That is the Stamford Bridge still owned by Chelsea supporters - after the club failed to convince shareholders in the Chelsea Pitch Owners group to agree to sell them the stadium on Thursday.

Hello everybody, Mark Lomas here and I will be taking you through live text commentary of Chelsea v Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.