Chelsea must put pre-season behind them and deliver an impact performance against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium. Their campaign needs a kick-start.
Chelsea and Arsenal go head to head on Sunday in the Community Shield. Traditionally a curtain-raiser to the Premier League campaign, the Blues need to make an impact after a disappointing pre-season.
Some fans view the Community Shield as a glorified friendly. That is, in most cases, true. However, this year’s game carries extra weight for the West Londoners. Speaking to talkSPORT, Pride of London co-expert Ajitesh Rasgotra discussed the importance of the clash.
"In past years, I would have said that it was not important at all. However, the way pre-season has gone and the way the transfer window has gone, the result does matter. It’s all about reminding people that this team can do something. Thibaut Courtois talked about being ready…it would be good to actually show it on the field."
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Courtois has claimed that the team will be ready for the new season. Not many fans have taken confidence from his comments. The performances in pre-season have been lacklustre and the squad is still desperately thin. With memories of 2015/16 still fresh in the mind, Antonio Conte’s men must banish these concerns.
Moreover, there couldn’t be a better team to do it against. Out of the club’s greatest rivals, Arsenal are the most prone to imploding against the Blues. With a fragile defence and a questionable midfield, Chelsea could really put Arsene Wenger’s charges to the sword.
An impressive display would be timely reminder to other Premier League hopefuls. Manchester United and Manchester City will be riding high on excitement following a busy and successful transfer window. The Blues can crush some of their optimism by looking strong at Wembley.
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Conte will be without three of his star men on Sunday and to start the season. Eden Hazard is out injured. So is marquee signing, Tiemoue Bakayoko. Diego Costa may not be in the manager’s plans full stop, but he was the club’s top scorer last season.
Being able to turn over the Gunners with a relatively weakened team will put some of those personnel fears to rest. At least it will give supporters the belief that Chelsea can gut out results until their big guns are match fit.
With a tough opening stretch of games, the Blues will need all the help they can get. That includes the psychological edge that a convincing Community Shield win could provide.
Next: Chelsea season preview: Gary Cahill accepts new challenges as club captain
What do you think? How important is the result at Wembley? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!