Arsenal vs Chelsea: Three key battles which could be win or lose for Xabi Alonso
Chelsea head to Arsenal’s backyard ready to battle for all three points, hoping to land an early blow to the Gunners’ title hopes, one painful enough to leave a mark, but nowhere near fatal.
Games like this can often be decided by the little individual battles across the pitch. Chelsea have plenty of attacking weapons to cause Arsenal problems, but they will be coming up against one of the league’s strongest shields, made up of diamond quality. Here are three battles that could have a big say in who comes out on top at the Emirates.
Bukayo Saka vs Levi Colwill
This could be one of the defining individual battles at the Emirates, with Chelsea facing the challenge of containing one of Arsenal’s most dangerous attacking outlets. Saka’s ability to isolate defenders, cut inside and create chances makes him a constant threat, particularly when he receives the ball in the final third.
Jorell Hato is likely going to be busy with Ben White leaving the central defender to deal with the winger cutting in and manage the “starboy”.
Colwill will need to combine his physicality with discipline, as Saka is capable of punishing even the smallest lapse in concentration. Chelsea’s defensive structure will also be crucial in preventing Saka from receiving the ball in dangerous areas. If Colwill can limit Saka’s influence, Chelsea will significantly reduce Arsenal’s attacking threat, and potentially secure the win.
Cole Palmer vs Declan Rice
The two England internationals coming up against each other could be a fascinating battle between Chelsea’s creative spark and Arsenal’s defensive midfielder, a battle that could determine the tie. Palmer’s ability to drift into pockets of space, carry the ball forward and create chances makes him one of Chelsea’s biggest threats, but Rice’s positioning and defensive awareness will be crucial in limiting his influence.
Palmer has scored in both of Chelsea’s opening two games, while Arsenal are yet to concede, making this one of my favourite battles of the season. It is a perfect clash between Chelsea’s most influential attacker and one of the Premier League’s best defensive shields.
This could be decisive but could not be a battle at all. Will Arsenal opt for a man-marking job to nullify Palmer’s influence, or will Myles Lewis-Skelly be left to handle him on his more natural side, allowing Rice to focus on Morgan Rogers? The decision could prove crucial in determining how effectively Arsenal can limit Chelsea’s attacking threat.
Joao Pedro vs Gabriel Magalhaes
The last of the battle at the Emirates comes between Brazilian compatriots, with Chelsea’s striker facing one of Arsenal’s most imposing defenders. João Pedro’s movement, strength and ability to link play with the wing backs and the attacking midfielders will be crucial if Chelsea are to disrupt Arsenal’s defensive structure.
However, Gabriel is excellent in physical duels and will look to make the contest uncomfortable from the outset. Chelsea cannot afford to allow their forward to become isolated, with João Pedro needing support from Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers to create spaces between Arsenal’s defenders.
If João Pedro can occupy Gabriel and pull him away from his preferred position, Chelsea could find opportunities to exploit. You know, he fancy coming up against Mosquera or Konsa. We want goals from our Brazilian striker.
