Photo from Arsenal.com
Morning guys.
Our first game since the transfer window slammed shut and we are up against a club who together with Man City have managed to send transfer fees rocketing sky high. It’s amazing how with the outcome of the 115 charges against Man City are yet to be published, City can continue as they do whilst other clubs are penalised for financial breaches within weeks. As for Chelsea, well between them and Aston Villa, they’ve managed to sort each other’s finances out. Wake up football..
This is it for Arsenal as far as the squad goes, certainly until January anyway. We’re two down after Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli departed but we’ve strengthened both in midfield, defence and on bought one in on the left. Thankfully, Ethan Nwaneri’s loan deal includes a recall option so if the going gets tough if the injury department in attack, unlike last season, we can bring him home.
I’ve not watched Chelsea this season so I’ve no idea what Alonso is up to in west London but results would suggest their defence is a bit leaky having conceded 5 goals in their two opening fixtures.
Talking Tactics with Arsenal’s Adrian Clarke:
Chelsea’s new-look front three are dripping with match-winning talent. England duo Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer love to float around between the lines in support of striker Joao Pedro, and as a trio they are flying right now. Across just 180 minutes of Premier League football alongside one another they have delivered five goals and four assists combined.
Chelsea’s attacking wingbacks have also been bright, with Pedro Neto and Jorrel Hato catching the eye. Portugal international Neto was super-dangerous inside the final third last time out but is not a natural defender. So, will Alonso trust him in that role here at Emirates Stadium this afternoon. If Neto starts, it will certainly signify the Spaniard’s intent to attack us at every opportunity.
Central midfield looks like an area of possible weakness. Enzo Fernandez has left the club, while Moises Caicedo has also suffered with injury issues early in the campaign. This means the likes of Romeo Lavia, Malo Gusto, Reece James and Valentin Barco have had to fill the void. They are all good players in their own right, but as it stands Chelsea do not have a strong midfield pairing with vast experience of either playing together, or even occupying that position.
Right across the team there has been a lot of change, and that is almost certain to create teething issues. Conceding twice from set pieces already and looking quite nervy from balls sent into the box, there is a sense that Alonso’s men have some work to do on their defensive game.
I can’t see Chelsea rocking up at the Emirates with a number 42 bus to park in front of Martinez. Why would they when their strength is clearly in attack. Our strength is in midfield and defence and with the ghastly Caicedo a doubt, we really should be winning that battle. No Fernandez or the dirty little left back Cucurella as both have gone for good.
For Arsenal, Bruno Guimaraes, Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosquera are doubts, while Jurrien Timber could make it into the squad for the first time this season. I’m not holding my breath on the latter.
Chelsea are expected to be Premier League challengers this season after their big summer spend, a new manager and no European football to worry about. Hopefully Arsenal can put an end to such silly talk about the west London club later this afternoon.
Catch up in the comments.