Sunshine Gooners!
The month of December has not been kind to our lads so far, with just 4 points from 4 games and a huge defeat on top of that. Though the defeat against City was heavy the lads never gave up and created chance after chance, only to be let down by some poor finishing. After a weekend without a game which gave the boys the much required rest, we face a new challenge in the form of Chelsea. Mourinho's Chelsea are one of our other main rivals this season and they will be visiting the Emirates to take us on. Let's see what happened the last time Chelsea came to the Emirates
Lineup Then:
Arsenal
Starting XI : Mannone, Jenkinson, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Arteta, Diaby*1, Cazorla, Ramsey*2, Gervinho, Podolski*3
Subs : Martinez, Mertesacker, Djourou, Santos, Walcott*2, Oxlade-Chamberlain*1, Giroud*3
Goal Scorer : Gervinho
Assist : Oxlade-Chamberlain
Chelsea
Starting XI : Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz*1, Cole, Mikel, Ramires, Mata*2, Oscar, Hazard, Torres
Subs : Turnbull, Cahill*1, Azpilicueta, Romeu, Lampard, Moses, Bertrand*2
Goal Scorers : Torres, Mata
Assist : Mata
*subbed players
Blast from the Past:
Chelsea inflicted our first defeat last season when they visited us, in a high intensity game. An injury to Diaby forced us to bring the Ox early into the game. Torres made it 1-0 for Chelsea by latching on to a Mata pass. Some good build up play just before half time saw Gervinho score his 5th league goal of the season to level terms for us. Ten minutes into second half, Mata turned scorer with a good free-kick and made it 2-1 to Chelsea. Koscielny tried but could not defend the ball and just saw it hit the back of the net. In an effort to equalize, our boys kept moving forward and creating a lot of chances but were denied again and again by Cech who was in superman made that day. Giroud at the end had a great chance to equalize but he hit the side netting.
Current Mood:
Though we started the month with a good 2-0 win against Hull (the one where Lord Bendtner scored!!), our performances have begun to degrade gradually. The defence doesn't look the same without Koscielny and will definitely be tested by Mata, Oscar and Hazard.
Though Chelsea have been scoring well for past few games but they are also leaking goals at the back with Cech not having managed a single save in last 5 games. In spite of this, they have managed to win 4 out of their last 5 games.
Though Chelsea have been scoring well for past few games but they are also leaking goals at the back with Cech not having managed a single save in last 5 games. In spite of this, they have managed to win 4 out of their last 5 games.
Injury List:
Arsenal
Koscielny (Knee), Oxlade (Knee), Diaby (Knee)
There won't be a day with out any of our players being present in the treatment table. Koscielny will be joining Ox and Diaby this time :(
Chelsea
Bertrand (Knock), Van Ginkel (Knee)
Predicted Lineup:
Arsenal
With Wilshere facing a two game ban and Koscielny out injured, we will witness a couple of changes in the starting line up. Our captain Verminator will be starting alongside Per at the heart of the defence. Also, Cazorla will step in for Wilshere.
Chelsea
Essien is suspended for the game and Mata might come in as he is prolific against Arsenal when it comes to scoring goals. Though Mou has revealed that Cashley might not be starting (Christmas party with the Gunners?), its very difficult to predict who would play given their squad depth.
Talisman:
Arsenal
Walcott scored a couple of goals against the mighty City side at Etihad. He will be the key again to open the Chelsea defense with his decisive runs and Özil feeding him with through balls.
Chelsea
If Mata starts, he will be their talisman. He has been a thorn in our flesh in recent times, scoring and setting up goals. He needs to be stopped before he becomes as prolific as Drogba.
Score line Prediction:
It is the battle of two best midfields in the Premier League. It will be an highly entertaining game with Arsenal nicking it 2-1 in the end.
Come on you Gunners! :)
No comments:
Post a Comment