Pain in the Arsenal
Fansided

Chelsea vs Arsenal Preview: Something is off

By Brian Wong

facebooktwitterreddit

I don’t think anyone would have predicted that through 5 Premier League games, Arsenal would be one of the league leaders in chances created with 88. Yet they have only converted 5 of the chances. Other interesting, or depressing, statistics from Squawka.com also show that Arsenal have averaged 60% of the possession from those 5 games. 

More from Pain in the Arsenal

However, I think it is even more unlikely that anyone would have expected Chelsea to enter this weekend’s game sitting right above the relegation zone. Quite frankly, I love it, because when I look at the Premier League table online, I have to press the “Show More” button twice before Chelsea even shows up. As entertaining as that is for all Arsenal fans out there, a game against Chelsea is no joke and Arsenal seriously have to step up their game or face another few months of Mourinho’s mockery.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal

1) Arsenal will Score by Accident 

I have absolutely no confidence in Arsenal recently. Although some might say that is an over-reaction to the midweek disaster at Croatia, I beg to differ. Watching Arsenal play so far this season has been the most frustrating thing ever. An example of that would be when Giroud came on for Walcott last week against Stoke and missed what must have been a 7 yard freebie. What’s more frustrating is that when I say miss, I mean completely missed. Giroud didn’t even hit the target from 7 yards out!

My lack of confidence in Arsenal’s finishing ability and the fact that I don’t think they will be able to do much against a Chelsea defense that has frustrated Arsenal the past few years means if Arsenal scores it will be a surprise to everyone. I imagine that lone goal to be something like any of the own goals that have gone Arsenal’s way so far this season.

2) Cese Fabregas has been bad so far

I think one of the biggest reasons for Chelsea’s horrible start is due to Fabregas’ lack of form. Last season, Fabregas was able to get back, win tackles and start the attack from deeper in the pitch. However, this season, he has been inconsistent and as per Squawka.com, has only won 38% of his tackles in 5 Premier League games.

Against Arsenal, everyone who plays for Chelsea will be fired up. However, the one person who will definitely step up is Fabregas. Can’t you just see it already? Fabregas plays with inspiration and purpose, which propels his team out of their funk and eventually to 1st place in the Premier League. It is such a lovely or sad story it will probably happen to this Arsenal team.

3) Challenging everyone playing Defense

More from Arsenal Match Previews

There is no debating that Coquelin belongs and that Coquelin has played wonderful soccer so far this season. As per Squawka.com, Coquelin has won 67% of his tackles so far this season and his ability to bring physicality and discipline to this team is irreplaceable.

There is also no denying the fact that Arsenal has played some solid defense and discarding some minor mental mistakes by defenders and Petr Cech early in the season, this defense has been more than solid.

I would have to say that this defense has been carrying the offense. It is not only admirable but also extremely surprising. However, I don’t see that happening for much longer and as this game and the season progresses cracks will appear in the defense which opponents will capitalize. Defense may be crucial to winning the title but only if your team can score some goals, which Arsenal just seem to have forgotten how to do.

Next: Make No Mistake Francis Coquelin Improves this Arsenal Defense

More from Pain in the Arsenal