The
blockbuster fixture of this frantic Christmas time, Arsenal vs Chelsea awaits
us at the Emirates. It's a top of the table clash between two Giants of English
football on the back of a few disappointing results of late.
Underestimating
Chelsea would be wrong on Arsenal's part as players Chelsea have players with
immense potential in Hazard, Ramires, Mata & Oscar who can turn the game on
their individual Brilliance. Hazard's pace and dribbling and Ramires' tearless
sprinting all over the pitch make Chelsea potent and fearsome attack.
Arsenal,
on the other hand have been clinical in swiping
away teams that are average and in the lower half of table. Yes, they have lost
to the Manchester teams away from home, but at the same time have won against
the big teams like Liverpool and Tottenham with a convincing performance at
home. Arsenal can take hope from that and beat Chelsea at the Emirates with the
likes of Ramsey, who has been Arsenal's best performer this season.
With
the injury to Koscielny, Arsenal will have a fragile look at the back as
familiar pairing of Mertesacker and Koscielny have kept 6 clean sheets and
Premier League and 12 clean sheets in all the competition. It's now time Vermaelen
uses this opportunity and gives a performance for him to be recognised among
the Arsenal fan base.
Arsenal
were convincingly beaten at the Etihad during the last Game Week, but they
still hold a slender 2 point lead at the top. Beating Chelsea would still
maintain the 1st position, as teams who usually lead the table during Christmas
period go on to win the title. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester City are
expected to beat the team, which makes this game hugely important for both
Arsenal and Chelsea.
All
this points to a huge encounter between the sides at the Emirates on Monday, as
both would want to home all the 3 points.
Writer: SHOEB AHMED
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