Arsenal vs Chelsea: Three tactical battles that could decide Sunday's London derby
Arsenal will aim to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season when they host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
The Gunners have collected maximum points from their opening two games, scoring four goals and conceding none.
Chelsea have also had an impeccable start to the campaign under manager Xabi Alonso, winning their opening two games. They have scored seven goals and conceded five times.
Below are three tactical battles that could determine Sunday’s London derby.
Riccardo Calafiori vs Cole Palmer
Calafiori was the only Arsenal player nominated for August’s Premier League Player of the Month award.
The Italy international has created the defending champions’ only big chance and has registered two assists. He has been defensively solid too.
Calafiori is set to face Palmer — his biggest test yet. The Chelsea star is also in contention for August’s Player of the Month, highlighting his brilliant form.
Bukayo Saka vs Jorrel Hato
Saka has scored in each of Arsenal’s two games. He leads the squad for expected goals (xG), total shots and shots on target per game, while ranking second for successful dribbles per game.
Saka has not scored against the visitors at the Emirates since the 2020/21 season. This could be the perfect time for him to end that drought.
Hato is expected to be the man saddled with the responsibility of stopping the England international.
The former Ajax youngster has been the first-choice left wing-back and will be looking to strengthen his claim to keep his place by stopping Saka.
Gabriel Magalhaes vs Joao Pedro
Gabriel has picked up from where he left off last season, contributing significantly to the north London side’s impregnable defence.
The Brazilian international leads his team-mates for interceptions and clearances per game. Only four Arsenal players have registered more tackles per game than him.
Gabriel is set to come up against his international teammate Pedro, who has also had a stunning start to the season.
The Chelsea forward has registered a goal and an assist in each of the first two games and is also a nominee for the division’s best player award for last month.
Stats from Sofascore & Transfermarkt
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