It’s a battle for London supremacy as Arsenal hosts Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium in what looms as an early sliding doors clash for both sides.
A loss for either side would see them lose pace with the ladder leaders, as both teams sit even on 10 points from their opening five matches. Arsenal will be heartened by their recent form heading into the match with three successive wins in the league, while Chelsea will have to find their early season resolve if they are to get a result against the North London outfit.
Following three straight wins in the League, Antonio Conte’s men have just one draw to show from their last two matches. However, a win mid-week against champions Leicester in the League Cup should create a positive vibe at the Bridge, as will its previous form against Arsenal away from home.
Chelsea are unbeaten in their previous nine encounters against the Gunners and in the past eight seasons have lost just once at home to Arsene Wenger’s side. It’s an outstanding record, one which has haunted Arsenal fans in recent times.
Despite last season’s nightmare season, the Blues still managed to do the double in the league against their London rivals.
This upcoming clash has all the hallmarks of yet another absorbing encounter between two sides who have a clear distaste for one another.
From a Chelsea perspective, here are three things Conte could do to allow his side the best possible chance of retaining their fine recent record against Arsenal:
Start Cesc Fabregas
It’s hardly the most outlandish call, but his match-winning performance against Leicester at the King Power Stadium should be enough for Fabregas to get his first league start under Conte. Chelsea lacked creativity and struggled to hold possession in their disappointing 2-1 home loss to Liverpool – a game which was crying out for the influence of Fabregas. The partnership of Nemanja Matic and Oscar has fallen away, despite a promising start. Fabregas is undoubtedly the best man to pick in the middle of the park if Chelsea want to dictate the game and create chances. Don’t forget, there’s also the added motivation of the Spaniard proving his worth against his former employers.
Blood Marcos Alonso
The summer signing made an impressive debut against Leicester City at left-back, replacing the severely out of form Branislav Ivanvoic. The latter had a woeful game against Liverpool, with a series of poor tackles and continually finding himself out of position. Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane made life difficult for the Serbian and if Conte gives him the nod again he will have to contend with Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott. Chelsea fans have long been calling for Cesar Azpilicueta to return at right-back, allowing Alonso to ply his trade at left-back – it’s not as a risky decision but one which should be made based on form.
Let Diego Costa loose
The goals have returned to Diego Costa’s game and his combustible nature was on full display in the opening month. However, despite continuing his goalscoring form against Liverpool to make it five from five, his fiery temperament was oddly missing – do not expect that to be the case against the Gunners. Conte’s rhetoric all season has centred around Chelsea fighting against whatever comes their way – something which was missing all of last campaign. Last season the Spaniard was inspirational in both wins against the Blues and they need his tenacity and passion for the contest back for this clash.
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