Why Arsenal can end their poor record in big games this weekend.
Arsenal are massive underdogs as they travel to take on London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this weekend, but here are five reasons the club could spring a surprise result on Sunday afternoon…
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1) Chelsea not convincing defensively
Although Chelsea top the table and have scored the most goals in the Premier League so far this season, they have already conceded seven goals in their first six games. This is highly unlike a Jose Mourinho side, but it’s clear that the Portuguese tactician has set his side out to be more attack-minded this season, leaving holes at the back that big sides will exploit. Having conceded three goals in a win over Everton and two in a home win over Swansea City, there’s every chance Arsenal can take advantage of the Blues’ frailties at the back.
2) Arsenal have pace in attack now
Another reason Arsenal will pose a threat going forward is the vast improvement in the pace of their attack this season. Last year the Gunners went to Stamford Bridge without the injured Theo Walcott, meaning Olivier Giroud was the lone striker. Despite the relativre strengths of the French forward, he is not one who is ever going to stretch a top side like Chelsea, but Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez’s running will be a very different prospect indeed.
3) Wenger knows how to stop Fabregas
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger knows Cesc Fabregas well after working with him for so much of his career. The Spanish playmaker has been the main provider of the Blues’ goals this season and if the Gunners can stop him from finding his best form in this game, they could cut off the main supply to striker Diego Costa, with the likes of Eden Hazard and Oscar not exactly on top form so far this term.
4) Diego Costa’s fitness uncertainty
There have been concerns all season long about how often Chelsea striker Diego Costa can play. The Spaniard has been in terrific form so far but has been fighting a series of niggling injuries, meaning he has often sat out Champions League games. Although he is expected to play a part this weekend, his fitness issues might start to catch up with him, particularly in a game against more challenging opposition.
5) Arsenal have history on their side
Although their recent record against the big sides is poor, Arsenal actually have the best success record at Stamford Bridge of all the teams in the Premier League, having won there seven times in total. Before Jose Mourinho came along, Arsenal beat Chelsea regularly, and it was only a couple of years ago that they recorded a famous 5-3 win at the home of their London rivals. The Gunners’ poor run in big away games can’t go on, and if they are to win anywhere, history suggests it might be at Chelsea that they find success.