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Three key clashes as Chelsea take on Arsenal in FA Cup final showdown

By Nathaniel Kay

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 19: Mason Mount of Chelsea looks on during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alastair Grant/Pool via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 19: Mason Mount of Chelsea looks on during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alastair Grant/Pool via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 19: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United battles for possession with Reece James of Chelsea during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alastair Grant/Pool via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 19: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United battles for possession with Reece James of Chelsea during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alastair Grant/Pool via Getty Images) /

2. Reece James vs. Kieran Tierney

Another interesting matchup will be between two young, attacking fullbacks, converted to wing-backs to suit their respective sides formation. Reece James on the right, Kieran Tierney on the left; England vs. Scotland.

There is a great sense surrounding Arsenal that if Tierney had remained fit for the majority of his maiden spell at the Emirates, their position in the table could have been considerably higher. The hype that encapsulated his deadline day move from Celtic has only really come to light in recent months. Having made just five league appearances pre-lockdown, the Flying Scotsman has started all but two fixtures since the restart, both of those absences ending in defeat.

In similar fashion upon finding their feet, James’ development as a Chelsea regular has been gradual, but extremely impressive. Returning from his successful loan stint at Wigan Athletic, the 20-year-old has been nursed into the team by Lampard and is on the pathway to becoming its first choice right back for many years to come.

Both have adapted their game to suit the new formation likely to be used in the final, yet it has not stopped either of them bombing forward as an additional attacker. The resemblances continue into their crossing, the pair excellent deliverers of the ball from further infield or right to the byline.

This particular contest will be won and lost depending on who will cancel the other out. If they can nullify the chaos caused by the crosses created by their direct opponent, then either Arsenal or Chelsea have lost a valuable attacking asset.

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