Pain in the Arsenal
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Chelsea vs Arsenal: 3 crucial players in top four clash

By Krish Ajmani

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Eddie Nketiah celebrates with teammates Cedric Soares and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal after scoring their team's third goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and AFC Wimbledon at Emirates Stadium on September 22, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Eddie Nketiah celebrates with teammates Cedric Soares and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal after scoring their team's third goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and AFC Wimbledon at Emirates Stadium on September 22, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Eddie
Chelsea vs Arsenal: 3 crucial players in Premier League top four clash as Mikel Arteta takes on Thomas Tuchel’s side. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Three losses in the last three games for Arsenal would be cause enough for concern. Looking ahead, however, the fixtures get significantly harder, with Chelsea, Man United and West Ham licking their lips looking at the Gunners’ recent form.

But football is so loved partly due to its unpredictable nature.

No one saw Chelsea losing 4-1 to Brentford. Brighton won away at Arsenal and Tottenham. Southampton got crucial points against the Gunners as well, despite losing their last six.

Strange things happen. Form can turn at the drop of a hat.

Chelsea vs Arsenal: 3 crucial players in Premier League top four clash as Mikel Arteta takes on Thomas Tuchel’s side

Mikel Arteta will be hoping that a solid performance against Chelsea can turn around some of the doom and gloom pervading the club, wih a victory that will require key partnerships, some good fortune, spirit, fight, clever tactical execution and probably scoring first.

Just to name a few.

But did you know that Chelsea have won only three of their last 15 meetings with Arsenal in all competitions? During that time Arsenal have also beaten the Blues twice at Wembley to lift the FA Cup. Believe it or not, we’re their bogey team. Well, how about having bogey players?

Here are three players that must be on top of their game for Arsenal to have any chance of getting something from Wednesday’s crucial clash against Chelsea.

Arsenal, Sambi
Arsenal’s Belgian midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga looks on during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary’s Stadium. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images) /

3. Albert Sambi Lokonga

There is no doubt that the Belgian midfielder will grow into an exceptional Premier League player. He has impressed with his passing range and driving runs forward. Recently, however, he has looked somewhat lost. Taking too many touches on the ball, hesitant in taking risks and lacking the physical and technical profile to assert himself on the game, he looks set to start against Chelsea due to the lack of options.

Lokonga is at his best when the defense is solid behind him. This strong foundation gives him the license to drive forward into gaps left by the opposition midfield before moving the ball on or taking a shot himself. Against Chelsea, the other side of his game will be tested. Mason Mount is the man in form for Tuchel’s side, and the English youngster is comfortable receiving the ball between the lines and helping Chelsea build up while being equally effective in the opposition box.

The Belgian must be switched on at all times, tracking Mount to ensure he doesn’t get a sniff of goal. This is no easy task. Mount is tactically intelligent and is excellent at finding pockets of space.

Lokonga, however, must not back down and should keep tabs on him throughout the game. If Arsenal’s midfielder can shut him down or at the very least limit his touches on the ball, it would go a long way towards starving their forwards of service.

Continued on next page…

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