Last derby of the year
Yet another London derby is on the schedule when Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon. Both teams are in the midst of some rocky patches of form and will obviously be looking to end 2019 on a high note.
Arsenal
New manager Mikel Arteta's first game in charge ended in a disappointing, but promising 1-1 draw away to Bournemouth after Aubameyang equalised in the 63rd minute.
Promising progression
This was the first time this season that fans, post match, felt that the Gunners actually should have won and won it they should have. Arsenal dominated play and ended the game with an overall possession of 61% and 17(!) attempts at goal which was only bettered by predecessor Emery on two occasions away from home.
Clear way of playing
What Arteta wants to do is very evident. A disciple of Barcelona's La Masia and Guardiola's understudy for years it is clear that the 37 year old Spaniard favours a heavily possession based game with the goal of immediately recovering the ball through pressure once it is lost.
Injection of confidence?
The players looked genuinely passionate which has been sorely lacking in recent years and the intent was evident. Özil was fantastic in the first half creating multiple clear-cut chances within the first twenty minutes but the little Uruguayan Torreira stole the show superbly policing the space between the backline and midfield and breaking up Bournemouth's attacking play.
All in all fans and neutrals alike should be excited, or at least intrigued at a minimum for what Arsenal's future has in store.
Chelsea
Thoroughly outclassing Tottenham away from home one weekend followed by a drab, embarrassing, 0-2 home defeat at the hands of Southampton the next. Whether it is down to the lack of experience or simply fatigue does not change the fact that it is downright worrying for Blue's fans.
Dip in form
Lampard's boys have lost five out of their last 7 games in league play which sounds bad enough but when looking at the manner in how they were defeated things look worse. Some of those defeats came against totally inferior opposition in the form of West Ham and Bournemouth but wedged in between those defeats was a very close, unlucky game against Manchester City as well as a fantastic win against Tottenham.
Strong against top teams
So basically, Chelsea have no issues conjuring up the will and/or fighting spirit to fight against their fellow big guns but greatly lack certain aspects when facing off against lesser opposition.
Luckily for them, Arsenal is not only a huge game but the Gunners are not known for sitting back and soaking up pressure which suits the way Chelsea plays just fine.
Betting tip
Arsenal's defence is horrendous and Chelsea both score and concede on many occasions which is why i will be backing Over 2.5 goals at 11/20 with Betway.
