3 key battles that could decide Sunday’s clash against Chelsea

In what comes as one of Arsenal’s biggest challenges of the season so far, the Gunners travel to Stamford Bridge on Sunday in a bid to stay top of the Premier League.

While Mikel Arteta’s side have found recent fortunes at Chelsea’s home, it has been a long time coming. Arsenal have won their previous two Premier League matches at the Bridge; courtesy of a lone Emile Smith Rowe goal in 2021, and an Eddie Nketiah double accompanied by Bukayo Saka and Smith Rowe strike strikes in the 4-2 win last season.

However, the build-up to this match has set a different precedent: Arsenal head in as favourites.

3 key battles that could decide Sunday’s clash against Chelsea

With the World Cup just around the corner, Arteta will be hoping for a statement away win against a top six club to propel Arsenal into the top spot. To ensure this, the Spaniard will have recognised the key on-field battles that will take place. Here are the top three that may be key to the outcome of this match.

Battle #1: Gabriel Martinelli vs Cesar Azpilicueta

So far, the Brazilian winger has terrorised full-backs this season. No matter the opponent, Martinelli has found joy in beating his man with his electrifying pace and strength on the ball. The injury to Reece James means that Azpilicueta is likely to start on Sunday in a back four.

Despite the 33-year-old being a veteran of the Premier League, Martinelli will show no respect for the Spaniard on Sunday, as this is certainly an area that Arteta will be hoping to exploit.

If he is played on Sunday, Kieran Tierney could hold just as much of an impact on this as Martinelli. The Scot’s overlapping runs have been consistent within the Europa League this season, as shown in Thursday’s performance against FC Zurich. An overlapping overload on this side of the pitch, one which Takehiro Tomiyasu may not be able to provide, is likely to cause Azpilicueta defensive issues.

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