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Arsenal vs Chelsea: 4 things we’d like to see

By Ross Kennerley

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal walks past Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal as he is substituted off during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on May 12, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal walks past Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal as he is substituted off during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on May 12, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Thomas Partey
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 19: Thomas Partey of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /

3. Thomas Partey Taking Charge of Midfield

This is no easy feat.

Fortunately for Sunday, Chelsea are short in that department: the Blues are yet to welcome back Euro 2020 winner Jorginho or opposing finalist Mason Mount. N’Golo Kante and Kai Havertz are back but have yet to play any pre-season football, and given Danny Drinkwater started in their recent friendly win over Bournemouth, this is a real opportunity for Partey to dominate – even if you’d prefer him to face strong Chelsea lineup.

It’s something we know he can do. He has that physical and technical security to control the centre of the park and given how sharp he has been in pre-season this is a great opportunity for him to assert himself.

This fixture at Stamford Bridge last season felt like a minor turning point; Partey had flattered to deceive up until then with the occasional stirring performance tarnished by sloppiness in possession. In the second half especially he came to life alongside Mohamed Elneny, driving out of Arsenal’s low block in possession and adding some glamour to his touches as he helped thrust his side up the pitch.

As the senior midfielder in the squad now it’s on him to bring command into that department. Granit Xhaka will be leaving and when that is official there are certain leadership qualities that Partey will have to transfer into his game.

Boasting that presence on the pitch, seeing that in practice against Chelsea would be welcome.

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