Arsenal vs Chelsea: 3-4-3 defensive reshuffle for Arteta?

Rob Holding & Nuno Tavares Could be Key vs Chelsea

Implementing a more defensive strategy may also see Kieran Tierney move into the backline. Although repositioning the Scotsman may be an unappetising proposal considering his remarkable influence in the final third, Arteta has shown a consistent preference for a left-foot/right-foot centre-back combination and Tierney’s proven ability to perform such a role may be too appealing to overlook for such a big occasion.

Furthermore, this switch could also allow Nuno Tavares to make his competitive debut for the team, with the summer acquisition demonstrating his talent in a series of encouraging pre-season performances including the narrow 1-0 defeat against Tottenham and a 2-2 draw with Rangers, where he netted our first equaliser.

In the opening day defeat to Brentford, his ten-minute cameo at right-back was one of few bright sparks on a glum evening, taking advantage of the game’s openness and looking threatening in transition.

Admittedly, the high-profile nature of this contest means it is very unlikely Tavares will feature, but there could be a vacancy on the left if Tierney is preferred to Marí at left-sided centre-back. The fact that the Portuguese has only been in England for a short period of time should not take precedence over his suitability and value to the side for this encounter.

Sunday will see a full capacity at the Emirates for the first time since March 2020 and, with the club currently on zero points and spending a league-high of £130m during the transfer window, pressure is steadily mounting on Arteta to deliver on his much-touted managerial potential and recapture our former glories.

However, while that ambition may well be achieved in time, the unavailability of both recent recruits and our seasoned forwards for Sunday’s Premier League clash means focus should turn to giving the remaining side a fighting chance of claiming all three points and, for now, a new formation is a compelling option.