Chelsea will host Arsenal in what will be the biggest game of game week two. While Chelsea made a smooth start to their campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Huddersfield, Arsenal came up against defending champions Manchester City and were beaten 2-0.
Chelsea will start the game as favourites when they square off against the Gunners and here’s why…
#3 Arsenal still don’t have an identity
While Unai Emery’s arrival was welcomed, it is apparent that Arsenal need more time to adjust to the Spaniard’s style. They were completely outplayed by Manchester City in the first game and facing Chelsea will be a tough task. Like Manchester City, Chelsea under Sarri will play a high-intensity and pressing game.
Moreover, Arsenal’s fragile defensive record means that Chelsea’s attacking firepower will fancy their chances against a somewhat new look Arsenal backline.
Emery has had time during the preseason to work on the team, but since Arsenal are in transition, they first need to sort what will their identity be; a pragmatic and compact setup or a more dynamic approach.
Unfortunately, the fixture list isn’t kind to Emery, and Arsenal might end up losing three points yet again.
#2 Contrasting starts and momentum
Arsenal endured a torrid start to the campaign as they came up against Manchester City who barely let the Gunners play. The lack of cohesion coupled with their tendency to lose possession against the high-press meant that they conceded possession and allowed City to take control over the proceedings.
Chelsea, on the other hand, faced relatively easier opponents in Huddersfield Town whom they dismantled. It isn’t difficult to see that Maurizio Sarri has done better in the transfer market and Jorginho along with Mateo Kovacic will only add more creativity to their midfield. The players know what their roles are and the win eradicated any lingering doubts as to what was Jorginho and Kante’s roles in midfield.
Meanwhile, the Arsenal midfielders lacked clarity over their roles and were somewhat clueless against the free-flowing Manchester City side.
#1 Chelsea have better players
In the end, everything boils down to this. Chelsea, are undoubtedly better equipped to take on Arsenal, and they certainly showed that last weekend.
This is not an attempt to demean the Gunners, but Maurizio Sarri’s side have adapted better to their new manager than Emery’s squad. Moreover, their midfield is much more balanced with the arrival of Jorginho who has fit in well. Eden Hazard could be back in the playing XI and that will be a major boost for the team.
The Belgian has troubled Arsenal’s defence in the past and we expect the same when he takes on Bellerin this weekend. The likes of Kante, Willian and Giroud had good World Cup campaigns and the confidence will be high.
