Arsenal must attack Chelsea with pace
Match Preview: Arsenal vs Chelsea - Premier League - 24.09.2016
Chelsea, just the name of the club should stir up some truly unpleasant images and thoughts for all Gunners fans, let’s be honest here, we haven’t exactly had the best record against them in recent times have we?
In the past week it must be said The Arsenal have put in two superb away performances, scoring 8 goals in the process, but, with the greatest of respects to Hull City and Nottingham Forest Antonio Conte’s Chelsea represents the biggest test of the season so far, certainly since the opening day defeat to Liverpool at The Emirates.
The West Londoners' threat in the main should be an obvious one, Diego Costa. The Spain international striker has long been the haunting presence that hangs over Gunners fans, his ability to wind up the opposition and play the mental games perfectly is obviously something Arsène Wenger's side have to be focused on, but in truth the man is more than just words and aggression, he can finish.
I believe it is imperative Arsenal cut the supply to the Spaniard and to do this might involve stopping another. Cesc Fabregas seems to be finally adjusting to the demands of Conte and having starred in the midweek extra time win at Leicester seems likely to come in to the starting XI and it is my thought that stopping him playing will be so key in Arsenal grabbing the points. Stopping the likes of Hazard and Willian will also be crucial, especially from wide areas cutting in with our full backs liking to play high up the field.
Weaknesses however are something Chelsea do have exposed when they are pressed, with John Terry seemingly set to miss the clash the partnership of Gary Cahill and the newly re-signed David Luiz is an area Arsenal simply have to target. Cahill has had a somewhat iffy start to the season and Luiz has been found out when it comes to big matches and he needs to actually defend! I feel bypassing the impressive N’Golo Kanté could yield results as well, balls played past his area of cover may well open holes to expose on the counter attack.
So let’s look at The Arsenal set up and just how we go about beating this irritant of an opposition, we, for me the central midfield battle has to be won, the previously mentioned Kanté will likely be the man Arsenal have to nullify and to do this I believe the Santi/Coq axis has to be in top form, if indeed they continue to start this game, if Granit Xhaka is brought in however discipline must be the key, as with Coquelin the focus on doing the defensive duties as opposed to a barn storming run have to be areas of focus. I do feel the Mustafi/Koscielny central defensive partnership will also be an important part of success on the day, but again, the protection they get ahead of them is vital.
As Arsenal's attack, pace, pace, pace! We simply cannot play the pass and wait game against Conte’s team; they will sit back and soak that up with comfort and we have all seen this story before, 0-0, 85mins then bang, sucker punch, lose the game, my feeling is we get the likes of Alexis, Iwobi and Walcott pinning the Chelsea rear guard back, test them early with a fast start and set the tempo of the game we wish to play not allow them to dictate it for us.
I can’t pretend to be confident right now, I am not, but I do feel this season represents our best chance in years to beat Chelsea and it is my uber positive nature to predict a home win. COYG!
LAST 3 MEETINGS
- Arsenal 0-1 Chelsea (24.01.2016)
- Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal (19.09.2015)
- Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea (02.08.2015)
FACTFILE
- Since the 3-1 win in 2010 Arsenal have only 2 goals in 7 home games vs Chelsea.
- Chelsea only beaten in 3 of the last 17 meetings away at Arsenal.
- Diego Costa has 7 goals in his last 14 games away from home.
INJURIES
Ramsey (Hamstring) out, Mertesacker, Jenkinson and Welbeck remain long term injuries. Giroud requires test on injured Toe, Debuchy could return to the squad.
STARTING XI
Cech, Bellerin, Koscielny, Mustafi, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Walcott, Ozil, Iwobi, Alexis.
GOONERSPHERE'S PREDICTION
Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea
http://twitter.com/afcfreddie8 Tell us what you think! If you agree, or have a different view, please leave a comment in the comments section or why not write a response or your own article on YouWrite?
Think you know Arsenal? Test your Arsenal knowledge on our trivia page and see if you can beat the top score.
Don't forget to like us on Facebook, add us to your G+ circle and follow us on Twitter.
