The “Stamford Bridge Curse.” Okay, maybe no one else calls it that but after looking at some of Arsenal’s recent results there, Stamford Bridge seems to be a plague that Arsenal can’t get over.
Here are Arsenal’s recent results away at Chelsea: LLLLLWLL
Concerning? Yes. Frustrating? Yes. But Arsenal have a chance to write the wrong this weekend after coming off two wins in a row at the Emirates, a 3-0 Premier League victory against Bournemouth and a 3-1 Europa League victory against FC Koln. Oh, and let’s not forget about our last two meetings against Chelsea; a 2-1 win in the FA Cup Final and a Community Shield triumph.
In order to break this “Stamford Bridge Curse,” there are a few things that I think Arsenal need to change.
Figuring Out the Defence
I’ll give you one word to describe Arsenal’s back three this season: inconsistent. In all competitions, not just the Premier League, we’ve seen the likes of Koscielny, Mustafi, Mertesacker, Monreal, Holding and Kolasinac step into a CB role. We even saw Elneny step into that role during the preseason! We’ve seen wins, we’ve seen losses. There are matches where the back three looks solid and others where we hear cries to switch to the back four. Either way, this is an area that Arsenal should have figured out by now. We’re four games into the season and every week there seems to be a question about the formation Arsene Wenger is going to roll out.
In the match against FC Koln, Arsenal started in a back three and went into halftime 1-0 down. I understand that the lineup wasn’t ideal due to the fact that the bigger game is on Sunday but Arsenal still looked uncomfortable at the back, even with the likes of Mertesacker, Monreal and Holding. As the 2nd half whistle blew, Arsenal lined up with four at the back and looked very much in control from start to finish. The extra midfielder gave Arsenal some extra protection for the back four and I think against a team like Chelsea, Arsenal will need to close down gaps in order to keep pressure on players like Kante, Hazard, and Fabregas. Those players thrive on open space and I think Arsenal will need to be conscience about leaving spaces open between the midfield and defensive lines.
Kolasinac is a Must-Start
If it’s a back three that Arsene Wenger rolls out on Sunday or a back four, Sead Kolasinac needs to be in the starting XI. He has the pace to get up and down the wing but also has a great presence in the final third. In his last three home appearances, Kolasinac as supplied two assists and a goal. He is in great form and could really trouble the Chelsea back line with the chances he can create. I think also think defensively he can trouble the right midfielders for Chelsea, either is be Pedro or Moses. His physical presence can shift how Chelsea share the ball on that side of the field.
Be Deadly in Front of Goal
Okay this is an obvious one and easier said than done but there is a great opportunity to test Courtois and the Chelsea back line on Sunday. With Kolasinac and Bellerin on the wings, Lacazette up top and a fit Alexis in the final third, Arsenal have a great opportunity to create some chances. Alexis is coming off 90 minutes against FC Koln, where he scored the game winner with an absolute curler from outside the box. It feels like Alexis is finally back. Lacazette has two goals for Arsenal this season and will look to add to that tally on Sunday. Bellerin and Kolasinac can hopefully get up and down the wings to supply crosses and let’s hope that Ozil can work his magic to supply some balls in.
What I am curious about is what Arsene Wenger will do with Danny Welbeck. I think after seeing Alexis play 90 minutes and score in his full return and also knowing that the opponent is Chelsea, Arsene Wenger will turn to Alexis for this game but also be aware that he has an in-form Danny Welbeck who could come on later in the match.
Predicted Staring XI
I can’t be certain what Arsene Wenger has planned for the formation but for the time being, I think he will continue to play with the back three. As always, here is my predicted starting XI for the match against Chelsea:
Cech; Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Bellerin, Kolasinac; Xhaka, Ramsey; Ozil, Alexis, Lacazette
Predicted Score
Stamford Bridge is always a tough place to visit but I think the players are ready for the challenge, especially coming off back to back wins. I predict a 2-1 victory for Arsenal.