Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday where they will face fierce rivals, Chelsea. The Gunners have been victorious in five of the last six meetings between the two London clubs and they completed the double over the Blues last season.
Chelsea
After a frustrating start to the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, it seems that Mauricio Pochettino has finally found the balance in his team and each piece to the puzzle is slowly being put into place. Chelsea’s biggest issue this season has been in front of goal, which is mainly the reason why they won once in their opening six matches. That said, Chelsea have now won back to back matches in the Premier League, scoring six goals and conceding once. This puts them in 11th place after eight games, with a points tally of 11.
The addition of Cole Palmer to the starting XI seems to have been the game changer, as the naturally creative midfielder has already taken his opportunity to justify his managers decision to start him. In just two starts, he has already become Chelsea’s joint second highest goal contributor, with a goal and an assist.
The Ex-Manchester City man links up the play between the midfield and attack effortlessly and he may be key this weekend, like he was last time out when Chelsea travelled to Turf Moor and comfortably won 4-1. Raheem Sterling and Palmer were ruthless on the day and although Burnley took the lead, the visitors never looked phased.
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal come into this game full of confidence, not only because of their form, but because they have successfully overcome Chelsea under the Spaniards reign on numerous occasions. Arsenal sit in second place currently and they are one of two sides to remain unbeaten thus far. The Gunners average two goals scored per game and they’ve only conceded six, however none of those goals suffered have come on the road and Arsenal have won every away trip this season.
Arsenal went into the international break off the back of an enormous 1-0 victory over Manchester City. Neither side wanted to lose the tie and it was a tactical battle for the ages, but one player changed the game completely …
When Gabriel Martinelli was subbed onto the field, every action was executed with intent and purpose, which Guardiola’s side were not prepared for. This was his return from injury and it was glaringly obvious just how much of an impact his absence had on the side. The Brazilian winger’s efforts were rewarded with a last minute deflected winner, which gets him off the mark for the new campaign.
Verdict?
This new look Chelsea side may provide a more difficult challenge and they have individuals that can hurt Arsenal. However, the Gunners win over Manchester City confirmed them as one of the title challengers and if they can overcome the champions, they should be able to edge Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The final prediction is Chelsea 1-2 Arsenal.
