Arsenal vs Chelsea: FA Cup final preview with Llion Carbis

This campaign has been another one to forget for Arsenal Football Club, but the FA Cup final against London rivals Chelsea gives them a chance to redeem some dignity.

Knocked out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage and out of the title reckoning by January, by all accounts, this has been a typical Arsenal season. The FA Cup is not only an opportunity to win silverware but also an opportunity to put one over our London rivals.

There is no doubt that Chelsea had a major blip last season, but under the guidance of Antonio Conte, they have returned to their ruthless winning ways. After securing the league title at West Brom, Conte is looking to make this great season into a “fantastic” one by winning the double.

To discuss this heavyweight battle with me is Llion Carbis, a friend and an accomplished young writer for both ‘Breathe Chelsea‘ and ‘We Ain’t Got No History‘ who previewed the 3-1 drubbing with me back in February. Besides the game itself, we discussed tactics, personnel and even the next Premier League season, see part of our conversation below;

More from Pain in the Arsenal

HP: Since we last spoke Arsenal have adopted a 3-4-3 formation, how have teams who have matched up against you with a 3-back formation usually fared?

LC: Aside from Spurs, I can’t recall a team who managed to neutralise us using 3 at the back. Koeman was the first manager to try and mirror our system and was on the receiving end of a 5-0 thrashing.

HP: It’s not a given that Arsenal will line up in a 3-4-3 considering their recent defensive crisis, but what have you made of their tactical transition?

LC: It’s clearly had a positive impact, an evident beneficiary has been Ramsey who seems to be liberated under the new system. He’s already accustomed to playing with 3 at the back with Wales, and he’s been far more expressive and influential of late.

HP: What makes Conte’s 3-back formation so successful, does personnel have a lot to do with it?

LC: Certainly. Luiz operates as the anchor, the sentinel if you will – who can exercise his superb passing range at any given time to see us transition from defence to attack. Alonso and Moses provide width and pose a great threat with their deliveries. Kante provides the defence with unrivalled protection. Also, Hazard and Pedro are granted to express themselves without being burdened too much by defensive responsibility. Lastly, we’re all aware of Costa’s threat.

HP: Do you think more teams will move to 3-back formations and do you think the demand for players such as David Luiz and Eric Dier – who are both capable of playing in central midfield or in a back three – will increase?

LC: I think we’ve seen this season that managers have been eager to adopt Conte’s strategy. United, Spurs, Arsenal and City have all tried it. Versatility is a key asset regardless which formation a team adopts so I don’t think that this tendency to use a back three would increase the demand for those players.

HP: That’s a very good point, speaking of demand for players, what do you think the other top teams need to do to try and wrestle the title away from you next season?

LC: Find a way to nullify our back three. United and City have proven in the last summer window that money doesn’t always translate to league dominance. With a net spend of a little over £20M, we’ve managed to win the league by signing players who fit the system that Conte was looking to implement rather than choosing players on the basis of their status.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 23: Pedro of Chelsea celebrates scoring his sides first goal with Victor Moses of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 23, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

HP: What do you think Chelsea need to do in order to retain their title? Will European football have an effect on Conte’s summer plans?

LC: I think the 15/16 showed how detrimental a bad transfer window can be. Pedro aside we didn’t manage to sign anyone who strengthened the quality of the starting eleven. We must look to provide greater squad depth – especially at the wing-back spots – and sign players who would elevate the standard of our starting eleven.

HP: Finally, Arsenal have won this prestigious competition 12 times, Chelsea 7, that said you must be confident heading into this game?

LC: I am, yet it’s important to consider that anything can happen on cup final day. Our 5th premier league title will give us momentum but it’s crucial that we utilise that momentum on Saturday.

Next: Arsenal vs Chelsea Predicted Starting XI

Arsenal may have missed out on Champions League football, but the importance of this game cannot be stressed enough. Arsenal have been substandard for the majority of this season, substandard will not be acceptable on Saturday.