Pain in the Arsenal
Fansided

3 threats Arsenal must be wary of when they face Chelsea

By James Cormack

Chelsea's French defender #02 Axel Disasi (L) celebrates the team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Burnley and Chelsea at Turf Moor in Burnley, north-west England on October 7, 2023. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's French defender #02 Axel Disasi (L) celebrates the team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Burnley and Chelsea at Turf Moor in Burnley, north-west England on October 7, 2023. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Sterling has been left out of recent England squads. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Sterling has been left out of recent England squads. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) /

2. Raheem Sterling with a point to prove

Chelsea’s poor start to the season was almost exclusively a result of their final third inefficiency. Their xG figures and metrics of the like suggested they were dominating contests, but they simply weren’t finishing their chances.

Raheem Sterling has never been regarded as particularly efficient in front of goal despite his excellent record at Manchester City. In the past three seasons, the winger boasted a higher xG compared to actual goals scored. However, at the start of 2023/24, Sterling has rediscovered his most potent form.

The sample size is small, but Sterling has nonetheless scored three Premier League goals from an xG of 2.4. Imagine where they’d be if Nicolas Jackson knew where the goal was!

Sterling has been Chelsea’s star man at the start of the new season. Buoyed by the arrival of systematic competence, the winger has thrived down the right flank. There’s a spring in his step and his burst has returned. He’s attempting a whopping 6.62 take-ons and 6.34 progressive carries per 90 minutes, with the majority of his metrics matching a level close to his City apex.

While the winger has little to prove to Arteta, Arsenal, or the Premier League audience, his recent omissions from the England squad have seemingly given Sterling the kick up the backside his career needed.

Continued on the next slide…

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