Chelsea-Arsenal has always been a test, starting from the managers, down to their fans. Both teams have had spells in which they have called themselves the ‘Pride of London’, but that mantle rests clearly with Chelsea now. Arsenal have flattered to deceive as they have tided over their transfer woes in an attempt to stay in the green, whereas Chelsea has not minded splashing the cash in order to win, as Roman Abramovich has used cash astutely to create history. Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal has not been able to get the better of Chelsea under Jose Mourinho, and though the game is at the Emirates Stadium, an exception to the norm – an Arsenal win – looks highly unlikely.
Three key battles in this game would be:
Mesut Ozil vs. Cesc Fabregas
This would also have been a valid comparison two years ago, when Ozil and Fabregas peddled their trade for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively, in the El Clasico. Both players hold more significant roles in the fortunes of their respective teams in a major London derby which could go a long way in deciding the winners of the Premier League. The impact that both Ozil and Fabregas have in the game is important, as the player having the maximum impact will decide his team’s fortunes with a win. Ozil has taken up his role as an architect at Arsenal, after his return from injury, making silky passes and threading the ball through oppositions to create goal-scoring chances. Fabregas has hit the ground running at Chelsea and has made the most assists this season, after being passed on by Arsenal, who had first-choice rights over Cesc when he wanted to return to the Premier League after playing for Barcelona.