Chelsea vs Arsenal: Three things to look for in important top four clash
Chelsea will welcome fellow London rival Arsenal to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday in a highly anticipated clash between two of the capital’s best teams. They are separated by just eight points in the league table with this midweek clash ultimately deciding whether or not the Gunners can catch their in-form neighbors. Both Mikel Arteta and Thomas Tuchel are missing a handful of key players, so in every factor other than form—which goes to the Blues—this is set to be a relatively even playing field. After all, anything can happen in a London Derby.
Tuchel’s men are winners of their last three. These wins included a 6-0 drubbing of Southampton, a spirited performance against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu and a victory in the FA Cup semifinal over Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Arsenal has dropped four of its last five Premier League games after creeping into the top four just a few weeks to go. The Gunners have been impacted heavily by injuries to key players like Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney and Alexandre Lacazette. Nevertheless, Arteta’s men always seem to whip into shape on the short trip down to the Bridge. Chelsea cannot underestimate the Gunners, regardless of recent form.
There are a lot of interesting talking points in this contest, so let’s get right to it.
Want your voice heard? Join the The Pride Of London team!
Here are three things to look for as Chelsea welcomes Arsenal to Stamford Bridge:
1. Chelsea’s kryptonite
Every football club has its noted bogey teams. Chelsea’s struggled against clubs like Bournemouth, Burnley and Watford over the last few years, but it’s not just the Premier League’s bottom dwellers that have stumped the Blues. The reigning Champions of Europe have struggled with a few of their big six opponents, notably Arsenal and Manchester City.
The latter is understandable considering the massive domestic success the Citizens have had in England over the last decade. However, the poor string of results against the Gunners over the last few years is rather puzzling in the grand scheme of things. This is especially true when considering Arsenal has largely been in the midst of a transitional period in recent seasons. The Gunners have been trying to reinvent their identity after Arsene Wenger’s departure. Yet, Chelsea has continued to have fits against its noisy neighbors.
Perhaps the most annoying thing about the Blues’ losses to Arsenal over the last few years is the reality that they always seem to come into the contest as heavy favorites. That’s why Wednesday’s match-up is so scary for the Chelsea faithful. Tuchel’s side is favored once again given its league position, form and overall talent. The FIFA Club World Cup Champions have enjoyed a lot more success over the last decade than the Gunners. Yet, the Blues have only emerged victorious in four of the last 15 meetings between the two sides in all competitions.
Arsenal is Chelsea’s kryptonite and there isn’t a good explanation as to why this is the case. This is surely one of the biggest talking points heading into the latest installment of the historic London Derby on Wednesday. Can the Blues overcome their traditional demons and finally do the league double over the Gunners?