Arsenal vs. Chelsea Preview: An Early London Derby for all the Marbles | OneFootball

Far more than bragging rights are on the line Sunday afternoon at Emirates Stadium. The winner of Arsenal vs. Chelsea could also walk away with the top spot in the Premier League, depending on how many goals they score. Coming into this match they were among four teams sitting on two wins. Manchester City, with their 1-0 victory over Coventry, are now on nine points and the target for both sides.

Arsenal’s Early Perfection

Much like last season, the Gunners have started strong on all fronts. They whalloped newly promoted Coventry City 3-0 in the season opener, then followed that up with a nervy 1-0 win over a stubborn Aston Villa. Arsenal are one of two teams who have yet to concede (Hull City is the other), reminiscent of their smothering defense that propelled them into lifting the PL trophy last May. Of course, Chelsea will be an entirely different test. 

Chelsea’s Unbridled Chaos

If Arsenal exemplify discipline and ruthless execution, Chelsea show the opposite side of the coin. Their first two matches resulted in 12 goals, the third highest total in Premier League history. The Blues won both, but their porousness in the defensive third is a concern. They already bid adieu to troubled goalkeeper Robert Sánchez after the Fulham tie, but replacement Emiliano Martínez didn’t exactly lock it down, allowing three goals against Brighton last Saturday.

Of course, when your offense is firing on all cylinders you can excuse some defensive frailty. Brazilian João Pedro already has five contributions to his name: three goals (one each against Fulham and Brighton, plus an own goal for the latter) and two assists. He’s the personification of Chelsea’s chaotic play.

Arteta and Alonso: a Long Rivalry

Outside of the action of the pitch, all eyes will be focused on the dugout. Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, the longest-tenured manager in the Premier League, and Xavi Alonso, Chelsea’s new manager, hired in early June, have surprisingly never faced each other in a competitive match. Although both are Basques and of a similar age, they also never played on the same club or national team. In fact, they were Merseyside Derby rivals when Alonso played for Liverpool and Arteta Everton.

Who to Watch

Bukayo Saka’s brace leads Arsenal, and the English attacker should be a real thorn in the side of Chelsea’s left side. Expect Romeo Lavia, Levi Colwill and Jorrel Hato to sit deeper and tag-team covering the winger.

The “Chilly” Twins: Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers. The pair are childhood friends from the academy, and they share the same  “chilly” goal celebration, each good-naturedly accusing the other of co-opting it. Palmer scored twice; Rogers has a goal in his Chelsea debut and an assist. Both will need to have exceptional performances to give Chelsea enough firepower to win.

The Hooligan Take

Expect to see plenty of fireworks, and referee Chris Kavanagh will be busy with his whistle and cards (I predict at least five yellows).

Arsenal have three players on the doubtful list: Bruno Guimarães, Cristhian Mosquera and Jurriën Timber. Happily, they also have enough depth to make their absence a non-factor. For Chelsea, Romeo Lavia will likely start in place of Moisés Caicedo. The young Belgian has performed well so far in this role.

Arsenal hasn’t lost this fixture at home in six years, and although Chelsea are riding a six-game winning streak I don’t see the champions dropping the ball this early in the season. Arsenal 2 – 1 Chelsea