Over the years, plenty of players have swapped Chelsea for Arsenal or vice versa. From David Rocastle, Emmanuel Petit and Petr Cech, to Jorginho and Olivier Giroud, there are many examples.
Even now, Arsenal boast a handful of former Chelsea players. Last night, Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game between the two sides, netting in the final few seconds to win 1-0 against his former side.
Kepa Arrizabalaga and Noni Madueke both started the game for the Gunners against their old side. The location of both sides perhaps makes it easy for players to consider a move between the two teams.
You can choose one Chelsea legend to play in Liam Rosenior’s team today. Who are you calling? 🤔
Imagine this Chelsea team with Didier Drogba! 🔥
Liam Rosenior at Fulham v Chelsea.
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
Despite the rivalry, many have worn the blue of Chelsea and the red of Arsenal but when fans consider the Arsenal-Chelsea crossover, the first name that will spring to mind is iconic left-back Ashley Cole.
John Terry picks which club Ashley Cole was better for
It’s an interesting debate. Cole came through at Arsenal and quickly earmarked himself as England’s best left-back. It is widely believed that Cole remains the best ever left-back to have worn the Three Lions.
He played 228 times for Arsenal, before the tapping up scandal of 2005 which even saw Jose Mourinho fined. After signing a one-year extension at Arsenal, he would eventually move to Chelsea a year later.
Ashley Cole for Chelsea v Barcelona.
Photo by Domenic Aquilina/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Cole went on to play 338 times for Chelsea, clocking up a whopping 702 club appearances in his career. But where was he better? Well, John Terry has settled the debate, and he has a good reason for his choice.
Speaking on the Icon Series Tik Tok channel, Terry was asked to pick between Arsenal’s Cole and Cole at Chelsea. He responded by saying: “His time at Chelsea because he won things at Chelsea.”
How many honours did Ashley Cole win at Arsenal and Chelsea?
Interestingly, Cole actually won more Premier League titles during his Arsenal stint, securing the 01-02 and 03-04 titles while in North London. He would only win the Premier League once at Chelsea in 09-10.
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But, Cole won more trophies while in a Chelsea shirt. A total of seven came during his Arsenal stint, which included three FA Cup wins but nothing in Europe. At Chelsea, Cole amassed a massive nine trophies.
One Premier League title, four FA Cups, one League Cup, one Community Shield, one Champions League and one Europa League. Terry is probably right, he played more at Chelsea and clearly, won more.
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