Chelsea host Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday in a game where nobody really knows quite what to expect. Following changes in the dugouts during the summer after both clubs missed out on Champions League qualification last season, these are two new sides looking to transform their mentalities and philosophies in hope of getting back into Europe’s elite competition.
The 5.30pm kickoff will be a key litmus test of which side has progressed the most since the end of last term and adapted quickest to the directives of their new manager. So, how will this one pan out at Stamford Bridge? This week’s experts, Arsenal-mad Will Jones and Llion Carbis from Chelsea FanCast, share their thoughts and predictions ahead of the London derby…
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The Gunners and the Blues suffered contrasting fortunes on the Premier League’s opening weekend. Whereas Chelsea comfortably beat Huddersfield 3-0 on the road in a performance that demonstrated much of the technically-demanding attacking flair Maurizio Sarri wants from his team, Unai Emery’s attempt to curtail Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium highlighted as many problems as solutions for the new Arsenal manager.
What will Emery have learned from last weekend’s performance?
Will: “There were plenty of lessons to take from last Sunday’s result. Chiefly, it ought to now be clear that including both Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the same starting line up against such high-energy opposition simply doesn’t work. The Armenian, in particular, is too immobile and prone to lapses in concentration to be able to adequately support his full-back. The benefits of playing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette at the same time also became clear, as it was only with the introduction of the Frenchman that the Gunners were able to pose any sustained threat.”
Can you already see the Sarri philosophy taking effect on this Chelsea team?
Llion: “Most certainly. If you watch the build-up to the first goal against Huddersfield, we receive possession near our own box and 14 passes later we’ve advanced to their box and won a penalty. It’s clear to see that we’ve been told to retain possession and look to exploit space where available. That said, there’s still work to be done to ensure that we’re entirely familiarised with the new system. For example, there were times in the first half when our passing was too slow, and there wasn’t enough urgency. Sarri will be keen for this to change against Arsenal.”
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Despite their varied results last time out, both teams are still very much works in progress. It could take weeks for the managers to settle on the right starting XIs for this season, and several transfer windows for their visions to truly materialise on the pitch. Considering how important this game could prove to be in terms of Champions League qualification, neither manager can really afford to rest on the laurels of last weekend.
Would you make any changes to the starting XI for Saturday’s game?
Llion: “Personally, I think it would be incredibly wise to introduce Eden Hazard. His cameo against Huddersfield was terrific – he ran with confidence and purpose, and his assist for Pedro’s goal was tremendous. Clearly, he is exceptionally gifted, but there’s a feeling that he can reach the next level under Sarri’s guidance. He also tends to thrive against the Gunners. In regards to Mateo Kovacic, as much as I think that he will become a starter and a crucial player for Sarri this season, I have a suspicion that the Italian will opt to continue with the midfield that started against Huddersfield. Nonetheless, if he does start, I’m confident that he can make an instant impression.”
Will: “The time has come for Granit Xhaka to be dropped. Despite Matteo Guendouzi’s errors against the champions, the teenager showed enough tenacity and bite to take the place of the Swiss international. This also opens up a starting spot for Lucas Torreira to step into. If Arsenal are to cope with the incision of Hazard, Willian, Kovacic et al. then the Uruguayan must be present from the off. Assuming Shkodran Mustafi and new boy Sokratis continue as a pair at the heart of the defence, they must be instructed to sit a little deeper and not allow any opportunities for their lack of pace to be exposed.”
From Jose Mourinho counteracting the Invincibles through his pragmatic tactics and 4-3-3 setup to Antonio Conte using a 3-0 defeat two seasons ago to test his 3-4-3 formation for the first time, tactics and philosophies have been recurring themes in this fixture throughout the last 14 years. That looks set to be the case once again this weekend with both managers implementing new systems and styles of play, which should make it a curious tactical battle.
What weaknesses in the opposition should Sarri and Emery be looking to exploit this weekend?
Llion: “It’s challenging to respond purely on the basis of the Manchester City game, as Pep Guardiola’s side are far superior to most Premier League teams. Similarly, our 3-0 triumph against Huddersfield was far better than our Community Shield defeat to the champions, so in that regard, it’s difficult to analyse their performance in great depth.
“However, Arsenal were wasteful in possession at times last weekend, and while they’re – much like us – adapting to a new system, it seems that they haven’t succeeded to utilise Aaron Ramsey, who is one of their most important players. If we can retain possession, as we did tremendously well in the second half against the Terriers, then Arsenal could face a difficult afternoon. Furthermore, there are questions looming around Emery’s decision to retain Petr Cech as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper, and as much as I admire the man, we should try and pressurise our legend into making mistakes.”
Will: “Sarri hasn’t had much of a pre-season at Stamford Bridge, and they made a late addition in the window who may not have fully bedded in yet. If Arsenal can be clinical and capitalise upon any lack of cohesion in the Chelsea ranks then they have the quality in the final third to punish the home side.
“Emery’s back line should also have enough physicality and aerial prowess to be able to ward off any threat from high crosses and set pieces, thus nullifying the kind of impact Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata could otherwise have.”
And where will this game be lost and won?
Will: “This match will be won or lost in the middle of the park. Chelsea’s potential trio of N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Kovacic is formidable and it’ll require a massive effort on behalf of the Arsenal engine room to stop the Blues from dictating play from that area of the pitch. If Arsenal can find Aubameyang and Lacazette in space often enough though, then the Gunners could well spoil Sarri’s party.”
Llion: “I feel that two factors are critical. Firstly, our ability to keep the ball. Secondly, the ability to utilise possession effectively. As previously mentioned, our passing was too timid in the first half against Huddersfield, but there were moments during the second 45 when we broke with conviction and could have created a higher total of chances with improved decision making. If we succeed in retaining possession and using the ball to great effect – namely that our passing leads to meaningful opportunities – then I’m confident that we can secure a desired result against the Gunners.”
Finally chaps, let’s hear your score predictions…
Llion: “2-1 Chelsea.”
Will: “2-1. Chelsea’s stronger midfield contingent and greater strength in depth on the bench should prove the difference at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal fans will certainly be hoping for, and expecting, a closer run affair than they witnessed last time out though.”