Chelsea v Arsenal: Opposition Preview With Llion Carbis

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Arsenal’s match against Chelsea could have been bigger, but it’s still big. So we are chatting with the opposition about what to look forward to.

This game could have been so much bigger, but Arsenal did what Arsenal are renowned for doing and choked at home against Watford. Chelsea only managed a point at Anfield, however, Arsenal’s defeat and Tottenham’s inability to beat Sunderland means that Chelsea have a 9 point lead at the top of the table heading into this weekend.

Arsenal’s recent record at Stamford Bridge is hardly anything to shout about, torrid occasions such as the 6-0 drubbing quickly come to mind. Arsene Wenger’s side have not won a league game at Stamford Bridge since 2011.

It was a different story at the Emirates in September, when Arsenal emphatically triumphed 3-0, but it is Antonio Conte’s men who have since taken the Premier League by storm. They’ve won 15 of their last 17 league games and are seemingly on route to another Premier League title.

To discuss this heavyweight battle with me is both an inspiration and a friend of mine. An accomplished young writer for both ‘Breathe Chelsea‘ and ‘We Ain’t Got No History‘, Llion Carbis has an incredibly bright future ahead of him within the journalism industry, and his nomination for the Best Young Football Blogger at the 2016 Football Blogging Awards is a testament to that.

In anticipation of this huge clash, this is what he had to say regarding the 3-4-3, Antonio Conte, Arsene Wenger and where this crucial game could be both won and lost.

HP: After the reverse fixture earlier in the season, Conte reverted to the 3-4-3 and Chelsea have since climbed to the top of the table. Why was this change so integral to your success?

LC: Defensive organization. Luiz and Azpilicueta have adapted seamlessly to the system and thus have been allowed to utilize their strengths. Luiz is granted the freedom to push out of the defense as he has the cover of two centre-backs. The wing-backs have been integral too, while defending they form a 5 man unit, while attacking they provide us with width and continuous service from the flanks. This has allowed Pedro, Hazard, and Willian to come in and operate slightly narrower which allows them more time to dribble.

You also can’t ignore the success that Matic and Kante have enjoyed as a domineering CM duo, also Fabregas’ involvement off the bench is key, 6 assists this season.

HP: Had to mention Cesc!

LC: Sorry!

HP: I’d imagine there are lots of options going forward, as in, someone is always available to receive the ball?

LC: Definitely, and life is made easier when you have a player that exhibits unrivaled tackling abilities in the form of Kante. Matic has been revitalized under Conte’s guidance and has consequently rediscovered his best form. Also worth mentioning the contribution of Pedro and Willian who work tirelessly to press and retrieve possession even in advanced positions.

HP: Considering your poor team performance last season, what has Conte done besides implementing his renowned tactics, to reinvigorate players such as Hazard, Matic, and Costa? Has he brought a different energy/mentality to the club?

LC: His optimism is infectious. You can see that he’s very hands on in his managerial approach, congratulates every player individually – often talks to them and celebrates with them for a long period of time. The Costa saga showed the magnificent extent of Conte’s man-management skills and that has been key.

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HP: Some of his signings and personnel decisions (David Luiz, Marcos Alonso, Victor Moses) were originally ridiculed but have come up trumps!

LC: Exactly. His decision making is usually correct and those deals were rather astute. Alonso has been magnificent and it shows that a player shouldn’t be judged on his previous clubs. As mentioned previously, Luiz has been utterly sensational – he has been the league’s best defender by a considerable distance this season. Victor Moses has been our best player in pre-season for the last 3 years so it was about time he was given a chance.

HP: After Arsenal’s abysmal home defeat to Watford and your draw with Liverpool, you lead the Premier League by 9 points. Is this weekend’s game your biggest game of the year? It certainly is for Arsenal!

LC: Given the circumstances, I would say yes. A victory could see us temporarily extend our advantage to 12 points, which is a sizeable gap and it would also testify our status as title favorites. A win Saturday doesn’t mean the league is guaranteed but it would be a significant step in the right direction.

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HP: You still have to play both Manchester sides and Everton, but surely Chelsea fans must feel pretty confident at this point?

LC: I think we’ve earnt the right to be, yet we’re fully aware of the enormity of the challenge that faces us. City are a dangerous proposition when they’re at their best and United have been experiencing a period of sustained improvement under Mourinho’s cultivated guidance. Everton have spent well and historically we’ve had trouble at Goodison Park so it will make for an interesting run in.

HP: Considering your success with Conte, do you think Arsenal would benefit from a managerial change?

LC: Without a shadow of a doubt. Wenger has engraved himself into Arsenal’s folklore indefinitely, his achievements are outstanding. Nevertheless, I think he’s fortunate to have retained the role for this long. 2 FA cup triumphs have excused years of mediocrity. Arsenal won’t win another league title as long as Wenger is still manager.

HP: Where can Chelsea hurt Arsenal this weekend, and vice-versa?

LC: Diego Costa has a terrific record against Arsenal and he’s been breathtaking at times this season. If Arsenal don’t manage to neutralize him then it will be a troublesome afternoon for Mustafi & Co. We haven’t done particularly well with pacy wingers this season, so a decision to deploy Walcott (who enjoys scoring against us) and Chamberlain could prove to be an effective tactic.

HP: Prediction?

LC: Chelsea Victory.

It pains me to say that I’m a fan of what Chelsea are doing under the guidance of Antonio Conte. His passion is evident and his players aren’t taking anything for granted. If Arsenal want to realize their ambitions moving forward, imitating Chelsea wouldn’t be a bad place to start.

If Arsenal want any chance of lifting the Premier League trophy for the first time since 2004, they will need a comprehensive win at Stamford Bridge.

Next: Arsenal: Lucas Perez The Wild Card To Save The Season

Llion is wise beyond his years and is confident of a Chelsea victory on Saturday. If I’m being brutally honest, I am too.