Arsenal will host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. The Gunners suffered a damaging reverse at the London Stadium last weekend and will be desperate to cut the gap between them and Chelsea back to 3 points. What will be even more worrying is that Manchester United are now level on points with the north London outfit and a negative result will put them under immense pressure.
In the build-up to the crucial fixture, let us take a look at 3 players who will play a crucial role in the outcome of the match.
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG
The Gabon international is Arsenal’s leading goalscorer. He has been a constant in the team, either on the wing, as the lone striker up front or as part of a front two alongside Lacazette. His 14 goals and 3 assists in the league shows his importance but his recent downturn in form has coincided with the team’s mini-slump.
Emery needs his main man to fire and if he manages to get involved in the game, Chelsea will find it hard to keep their goals conceded column spotless.
EDEN HAZARD
The Belgian superstar has been involved in half of Chelsea’s goals but his recent form has been worrying. Though he has 10 goals and 10 assists already in the league, he has managed a single assist in his last 5 matches in all competitions.
He has appeared frustrated at times with the lack of cohesion in his team’s attacking play but remains the Blues’ most lethal player. He has the capability to turn the match around within seconds and given his recent record against Arsenal, will probably be the biggest threat to Bernd Leno’s goal on Saturday.
LUCAS TORREIRA
We all know the extent of influence both Jorginho and Kante can have on the game and they will be expected to boss possession and control the midfield. But in Lucas Torreira, Arsenal have someone who, if not yet at the duo’s level, is fast approaching the same magnitude of importance for his team.
He has been a revelation since his move to London. The Uruguayan’s work-rate and tenacity have been on full display and he has coupled that with his attacking play which has been a huge bonus for Arsenal.
The technical battle in the midfield will be a fascinating one to witness and despite the huge names at either end of the pitch, a superior display in the centre of the pitch will propel that particular team as the favourites to come out on top.
