Arsenal vs Chelsea - Man to Man Comparison

As we all know, Arsenal and Chelsea along with Manchester City are the only three teams yet to lose in the Premier League this year. Arsenal already had a really tough but a good match against City at Etihad. This week they host Chelsea at Emirates,which should be a cracking contest. In the 2011-12 season,this very fixture at Emirates ended in a goalless draw. But everyone will remember the memorable game at Stamford Bridge,where Arsenal defied all the odds and thrashed Chelsea 5-3.

The Goalkeepers :

Vito Mannone vs Peter Cech

It is most likely that Vito Mannone will be the goalkeeper against Chelsea, as Szczesny is ruled out with an injury. On the other hand we have Cech, who’ll obviously start for Chelsea. Mannone has been good and consistent in the absence of Szczesny, keeping two clean sheets and making a few good saves. But inspite of it, Cech is more experienced and better than him at this level, although he has made some horrible mistakes in his past few games.

The Centre backs :

Vermaelen,Mertesacker/Koscielny vs Terry, Luiz/Cahill

A huge positive for Arsenal has been the consistency and the efficiency of their defenders this season, led by their skipper Thomas Vermaelen. Steve Bould also has had a great influence on the defensive side. Mertesacker seems to have adapted to the Premier League well, putting up a man of the match performance vs City, and Koscielny too putting up an incredible performance against City. On the other hand, Chelsea have had a comparatively poor defensive season this time around. Their centre backs have been insecure. Especially David Luiz, cheaply giving away possession which has led to goals. Terry is without a doubt a legendary defender, but he also had been caught doing a terrible error which led to the equalizer against them in the match against Juventus. So I would like to say that Arsenal have a clear advantage, when it comes to the centerbacks.

The Full Backs :

Carl Jenkinson and Kieran Gibbs have been a revelation for Arsenal this season. Everyone including me had a fair share of doubt over the ability of Jenkinson before the season started. Bacary Sagna was out injured. He had to fill in the shoes of Bac. But boy, didn’t he do a good job! He put up an outstanding performance against City, Montpellier and Liverpool. Gibbs also has been really consistent, being a steady and a reliable defender. On the other hand, Chelsea have also had great success from their full backs. Ivanovic scored twice in as many games and also provided a few assists. And Ashley Cole is probably the best leftback in the Premier League right now, although Baines is giving him some tough competition. He also scored the only goal against Stoke, which turned out to be the winner. This one seems tough, but I have to give the edge to Chelsea, just because of these players experience in the big games.

The Midfielders :

Arteta and Diaby vs Lampard and John Obi-Mikel

Another huge addition to this Arsenal team has been the re emergence of Abou Diaby. He almost has been like a new signing for them. Diaby played like an absolute beast against Liverpool, winning the man of the match award. He was also good in all the other games, although some time he gave away loose balls due to his arrogance. Mikel Arteta, now has become Arsenal’s most important player in the team. He bosses the midfield. Arteta is already the most successful passer in the Premier League this season and he has really stepped up after the departure of Alex Song.

Chelsea have Lampard, who has been put up into a kind of a holding role this time around. He has been a legend for Chelsea, but I still think he is a better player when he plays a bit more forward. But one thing, he is the always the right man at the right time, and scores crucial goals. His penalty taking ability is a huge plus. Meanwhile, John-Obi Mikel probably is a weak link in this Chelsea team. He gives away ball possession way too easily. He gave away possession in the match against Juventus,which led to their equalizer. He has been heavily criticized and needs to improve a lot. So I think clearly Arsenal are the better team in this aspect.

The Attacking Midfielders :

Cazorla, Ramsey and Chamberlain vs Oscar,Mata and Ramires :

Arsenal probably made the best buy of the season in the form of Santi Cazorla. He absolutely is a treat to watch for any neutral footballer. He oozes talent and gracefulness. He has been a really key member to the resurgence of this very Arsenal team. Aaron Ramsey, on the other hand, has found it difficult ever since his injury return last year. Nevertheless, he has been really promising this season. Putting up a great substitute performance against Southampton and was awesome against City. He seems like a player who needs more confidence and playing time. Oxlade-Chamberlain, as we all know had an incredible break through season last year, putting up stunning performances against United and AC Milan. Last year he was used as a winger ,although by the looks of it, he might be used in the central midfield position this year. He will take some time to adapt to it, but is a great talent and could take apart any defense.

Chelsea, in the form of Mata and Oscar and Ramires, probably have one of the best attacking midfielders in the whole Premier League. Mata was their player of the season last year, and Oscar had an instant impact scoring two goals against Juventus, one of which was a stunning strike which even Buffon himself praised. Ramires with his pace could prove to be a thread to any team in the league, although he might tend to be a bit inconsistent at times. In my view the man Santi Cazorla stands apart in this lot and I think he is the best midfielder among these 6 mentioned. But I feel Mata and Oscar currently are better than Ramsey/Chamberlain and hence Chelsea get the edge.

The Forwards :

Podolski, Gervinho and Giroud vs Hazard and Torres :

Arsenal failed to score in their first two games, thus raising a doubt in everyone’s mind whether they would miss RVP. But that thought was put to bed by their brand new signing Lukas Podolski, who has been incredible thus far. Gervinho promised a lot last season, but never delivered. He seems to have resurrected himself a bit this season, scoring 3 goals in his last 3 games. Although you never know what you can expect from him, as he was dreadful against City. Giroud has been the main talking point. He hasn’t scored yet, but has helped in a lot of areas. He seems to win aerial duals with ease. His time will come and he will score, as it will take time for him to adapt to the Premier League.

Chelsea on the other hand, probably have the best forward winger in the name of Eden Hazard. He has been stunning thus far, already providing 6 assists and scoring a goal. When Torres won the golden boot at the Euros, everyone thought his form was coming back. But sadly, it wasn’t. Ever since that goal against Newcastle, he has been disappointing and Chelsea fans would want to him to step up, especially in the absence of Sturridge, who is out injured.

I would also like to give a special mention to Theo Walcott, who if he starts, could make a big difference in the game. But he needs to be consistent. Victor Moses might also prove to be a threat to the Arsenal defense, only time will tell. Chelsea will also miss Didier Drogba, especially in this fixture. Because he just loves to score against Arsenal. This game should be a cracking game to watch for the neutrals and the fans, and hopefully the best team comes out on the top.