Three reasons why Chelsea will beat Arsenal in EPL derby
Man-to-man it’s no contest
We can end the discussion here by comparing the approximate starting lineups; even though Arteta doesn’t seem to know his best. Whilst also considering Tuchel’s relatively newly devised XI:
Edouard Mendy, Reece James, Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger; Loftus-Cheek, Marcos Alonso; N’golo Kante, Jorginho (I would select Mateo Kovacic instead); Mount; Timo Werner, Kai Havertz.
Over at Emirates Stadium, this setup appears to be favoured:
Aaron Ramsdale; Takehiro Tomiyasu, Benjamin White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kieran Tierney; Thomas Partey, Xhaka; Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe; Alexandre Lacazette.
First of all, I do rate Ramsdale: I considered him a poor signing for this echelon to begin with. Although the Englishman proved himself worthy of an EPL No.1 shirt throughout 2021/22. But Mendy is preferable overall: due to more consistent distribution, as I view the pair. Secondly the defenders; James is undoubtedly better in every position he occupies over these competitors: wingback, rightback or right centreback. The class of Rudiger and Silva exceeds anything at Arsenal in my opinion; Silva’s age is the only demerit I see. Tierney would actually get the nod over Ben Chilwell for me; though having the options of Alonso and Chilwell is a superior package.
Surely Kante, RLC and Kovacic are more attractive than Xhaka and even Partey. Saka and Odegaard alongside Smith Rowe is definitely a deadly trio, admittedly. Though when pitted against Havertz and Mount, I’m not so sure the Gunners surmount. Werner’s attributes are evident, yet his uneven form in England overall means I would take the exceptional Saka.
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Even Romelu Lukaku vs Lacazette is arguably justifiable in the Belgian international’s favour. That is if Lukaku was a typical starter presently. The Frenchman has only netted once in his previous eleven games. Though that came with some assists, but still leaving much to he desired. The No.10s, false nines and support strikers at Stamford Bridge inspire to a further degree.