As the football season rolls on, it’s the Bridge and dear old Chelsea, up next for Arsene's boys. A ground which has recently been a hub of positivity and elation for Gooners, given our excellent recent record there (we have won there 7 times during the Premier League era, more than any other team).
However, there will be much change from the uplifting 5-3 goal fest last year with you-know-who now strutting his stuff in front of the Stretford End, and Rafael Benitez now at the helm for the Blues. If anything, I believe this only adds a little more spice, to an already hotly contested match, with us having to look to other sources for goals, alongside the uncertain instability on Kings Road, the fixture looks set to not disappoint- for the neutrals anyway.
As for if we will be triumphant, here are some of the key match-ups and factors I believe the Arsenal's chances of victory may hinge upon:
Diaby vs Chelsea's Playmakers
With the lean Frenchman now returning from another bout of Diabyitus, he has quickly been slotted back into a holding role in midfield- a role he was very successful in for the first few games of the season. What will be crucial tomorrow is how Diaby can use his unquestionable physical presence to disrupt the rhythm and flow of Chelsea's pint-sized creative players- Hazard, Mata and Oscar. Tight games are usually decided on who can dominate the centre of the park, and I believe this one will be no different. Abou must get in the face of the likes of Juan Mata- Chelsea's main midfield general- early on, not giving them time to settle in to the game. Not allowing Chelsea's midfield space will be key, as when given time on the ball the abilities of Mata to slide a precise ball through to the forward and Hazard to jink his way past defenders are dangerous weapons. Diaby can also influence Arsenal's attacking game, as a solid defensive foundation will allow the more creative feet Wilshire and Cazorla the space and time to take the ball into the Chelsea half, and create goal-scoring chances. But whatever happens- don't get injured Abou, The Arsenal need you.
Diaby- Key to Arsenal's success?
Ba/Torres vs BFG and Verminator
The main factor here is really who plays. Ba is the kind of robust, physical centre-forward that Arsenal's relatively small, more technical centre-backs tend to struggle to cope with and is clearly on blistering form, whilst everyone knows the sad case of Fernando Torres. A goal-scoring machine turned missing-machine- all for £50 million, nice move Roman. Ba, is undoubtedly the most likely option, but with many believing that one of Benitez's main jobs is to try and revive Torres, it is not out of the question that he could show faith in his floundering fellow Spaniard. In regard to Arsenal's defending, there's not too much obvious cause for concern. After struggling a little early in the season, Vermaelen aka Verminator, seems to have moved on and is playing with his usual level of dominance and assurance, but he must ensure this continues tomorrow against a strong Chelsea attack, and give a strong and commanding captain's performance from the heart of Arsenal's defence. In regard to Mertesacker- The BFG (hear the song to understand the acronym), he must ensure he uses his height well, and stands up to the aerial threats of Ba, Cahill, Terry and Ivanovic- all of whom could be dangerous from set-pieces. Positioning is also key for the German, something usually a strength of his, as he must make sure he is not left to bite the dust of Chelsea's fleet-footed attackers.
The Crowd
The crowd are always a factor in tight, tense games and I believe it will be no different in this game. The Chelsea fans clearly still haven't warmed to Rafael Benitez and a poor start could lead t them getting on the back of the team and creating a negative atmosphere at the Bridge. This is a why a positive start is so important for the Gunners as the encouragement that discontent from the home crowd could give the team really could spur us on to victory. The travelling should also be in fine voice as usual- any opposition team with Cashley Cole and John Terry give us Gooners plenty to shout about!
So if these factors can all go Arsenal's way, then it could be another happy day at the Bridge, showing that Russian boy exactly how it’s done! COYG!
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