A draw with Bournemouth and a defeat to Southampton, respectively, on Boxing Day has left both clubs woefully short of form but can their managers – both ex-players – turn it around?
At the Vitality, there were some green shoots for the Gunners against Eddie Howe’s Cherries but they couldn’t find a winning goal, meanwhile the Blues’ defence was shown up twice by the Saints in a bitterly disappointing display.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is keen to see more from his side after their festive fright on the south coast.
“I am pleased with a lot of things I have seen and a lot of things we practised that happened,” said the former Gunners captain.
“I am not happy we have not won the game but happy overall. In terms of attitude, desire and commitment it was better than I expected.”