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DEPORTES : London cannot wait for derby day

/noticias.info/ Even when Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC were also-rans in England, their league encounters were always much anticipated. Now that they are possibly the division's two major forces, their 162nd London derby has an air of championship decider about it - despite the August date.

Essien arrival
Of course, Sunday's Premiership fixture has gained added impetus from Chelsea's signing on Friday of Michael Essien - the world's biggest-spending team paying Olympique Lyonnais a club record €38m to end the summer's longest-running transfer saga. Essien's arrival is in stark contrast to the departure of Arsenal's long-standing midfield general, Patrick Vieira, to Juventus FC.

'Very happy'
Essien is unlikely to figure against Arsenal as he is waiting for a work permit, but as the Ghanaian joined up with the Chelsea squad he declared: "I am very happy. I am in love with the Premiership. I don't think it will be a problem for me to adapt - I speak the language."

Contrasting fortunes
Chelsea, who took the title away from Highbury last season, confirmed their superiority a fortnight ago with a convincing 2-1 FA Community Shield victory in Cardiff. However, it was the west Londoners' first domestic win against Arsenal since a 5-0 English League Cup triumph in 1998. Having drawn twice last term, the last time Chelsea took three points off the Gunners was September 1995, though they did come through the teams' 2003/04 UEFA Champions League quarter-final.

Wenger landmark
Arsène Wenger, who marks his 500th game in charge of Arsenal, has emerged unbeaten from his last nine trips to Stamford Bridge and is not afraid of his side's new-found underdog status in the capital tussle. "I feel we have the level to compete for the title," he said. "After that, all the hype is against us as it's all for Chelsea. That is not a problem for me."

Late wins
His charges, like José Mourinho's, won their Premiership opener last Sunday, but in far from convincing style. Arsenal needed two late goals to see off Newcastle United FC, while it seemed top-flight debutants Wigan Athletic FC would hold Chelsea to a 0-0 draw before a last-gasp strike from the returning Hernán Crespo.

Reyes return
Arsenal will be boosted by José Antonio Reyes having completed a domestic suspension carried over from last season. Sol Campbell's thigh injury means Philippe Senderos and Kolo Touré will continue in central defence.

'More than a game'
Mourinho, meanwhile, is keeping a calm head. "Psychologically it looks more than a game," he said. "But it is three points - no more than that. Patrick Vieira's a big player - no doubt about it. But they have other good players and they are full of confidence."

Vieira's backing
In full agreement is Vieira himself. "They will be fine," the Frenchman declared. "Something that will never change at Arsenal is that the quality at the club is not about individual players - it is about the team and the spirit they have."

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