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

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 09: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on October 09, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 09: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on October 09, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /
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William Saliba will be tasked with marshalling a former Arsenal striker on Sunday. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
William Saliba will be tasked with marshalling a former Arsenal striker on Sunday. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /

Battle #2: William Saliba vs Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Arsene Wenger’s last gift to the Emirates faithful returns to face his former club in a match that could destroy any relationship the pair had left. Since being excluded from Arsenal’s squads and securing his move to Barcelona in January, Aubameyang has caused off-pitch controversy with leaked videos where he made comments about his former manager Arteta.

This is his time to truly announce himself to the Chelsea fans, but he has one major problem stopping him: William Saliba.

The 21-year-old has been sensational for Arsenal this season. Whether it be his calmness on the ball or his physical dominance, Saliba has revamped the Arsenal defence. This comes as one of his bigger tests. Aubameyang will be up for the match and the Gabonese’s explosive pace may cause trouble for the French international; but if there is one player that the Arsenal fans will want to stop, it’s Aubameyang: it’s Saliba’s job to do this.

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