Arsenal face Chelsea in a massive clash at Stamford Bridge in their first game back after the international break. This match is huge for both sides, with Mikel Arteta’s men trying to extend their unbeaten league record, whilst Mauricio Pochettino will hope his side can pick up a result at home to Arsenal for the first time in three seasons.
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How Arsenal Win Away at Stamford Bridge
Arsenal Cannot Underestimate How Good Chelsea Are
Chelsea may be sitting in 11th place in the Premier League table with a record of three wins, one draw and three losses from eight games – but their upturn in form before the international break will have provided the Stamford Bridge club plenty of optimism.
Their impressive form before the international break shows they are slowly clicking and will be a force to be reckoned with – and Arsenal must make sure they come out firing against this potentially dangerous Chelsea side.
Arteta will be hoping Saka and William Saliba are fit after they both missed international duty for England and France respectively. Both players had outstanding games in this fixture last year when the Gunners were at their peak in the autumn months.
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Continuing Defensive Solidity Away From Home is Vital
If Arsenal want to beat a Chelsea side that create chances – they will need to be solid in defence. So far this season, the Gunners have been solid away from home, conceding zero goals, including at Crystal Palace when they were down to 10 men – for some of the second half.
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Back in the squad and ready for selection after injury is Thomas Partey, who has previously been described as “important.” If Arteta chooses to utilise him in the No. 6 position ahead of Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, then Declan Rice will be free to push up into the left No. 8 position. Or, if the Gunners choose to play with increasing caution in a big away game, they could play Rice alongside Partey in a pivot. This idea was seen in Arsenal’s last fixture when Jorginho started alongside Rice in the battle of control in both midfield engine rooms. The added security demonstrated the North Londoner’s strength in depth. This time last year, there was no Jorginho or Rice for Arteta to choose from, and Partey was relied upon to a tiresome level.
Option to Start the Dynamic Attack of Last Season for the First Time
For a side that is unbeaten in the league and missing out on top spot by goal difference, it is a surprise that they have not managed to start their first-choice front three of Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Saka in the league this season.
Injuries have hampered Arteta’s attacking options, with Jesus requiring surgery in pre-season and returning just as Martinelli injured his hamstring. Saka was then ruled out of the game against Man City. But now, the option to play all three from the start is a mouth-watering proposition for the Gunners. The trio that propelled Arsenal to a title charge last year will be vital to gaining a result at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal will be hoping Saka is fit to start this London derby after Mikel Arteta confirmed the England international was “working so hard to be fit for this game.” Chelsea will be hoping Saka described as “elite” isn’t fit from the start. If the Arsenal and England international starts, the Chelsea defence – will have to be at their best to contain him.
