Arsenal has been enjoying a remarkable week, highlighted by a resounding victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby. This win consolidated their lead at the top of the Premier League standings. Following that, the Gunners proceeded to defeat Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League, showcasing their strong performance, especially in the second half. However, this weekend presents a challenging test as they prepare to face Chelsea, who currently sit in second place.
Arteta’s Record Against Chelsea
This Sunday will mark the 212th competitive clash between Arsenal and Chelsea, dating back to their first match in November 1907. In that encounter, Chelsea emerged victorious with a score of 2-1. Over the years, Arsenal has generally fared better in this fixture, with 85 wins, 60 draws, and 66 losses to date.
Mikel Arteta has been in charge of Arsenal since December 2019. Under his leadership, the team has enjoyed a strong record against Chelsea, winning eight of the 13 competitive matches, drawing three, and losing just two. The last match-up occurred in March this year, where Arsenal secured a narrow 1-0 victory, thanks to a header from Mikel Merino.
Recommended Lineup Changes
Despite the team’s recent triumphs, Arteta may consider making strategic changes to ensure a strong performance against Chelsea. One player who underperformed against Bayern Munich is Myles Lewis-Skelly, who is valued at £39 million. In his fifth appearance of the season, he struggled to maintain sharpness and lost the ball nine times from 25 touches, making it challenging for the team.
Despite his difficulties, Lewis-Skelly is recognized for his immense potential and has been touted by insiders as a “future captain.” Nevertheless, to optimize the team’s chances of success, Arteta might look to substitute him with Ricardo Calafiori. The 23-year-old Italian has had an impressive season, excelling in both defensive and offensive roles.
Calafiori’s Impressive Statistics
| Statistic | Percentile |
|---|---|
| Non-Penalty xG (npxG) | Top 2% |
| Total Shots | Top 2% |
| Goals + Assists | Top 4% |
| Goal-Creating Actions | Top 4% |
| Aerials Won | Top 5% |
| Goals | Top 7% |
| Shots on Target | Top 8% |
Calafiori has been noted for his dynamic playing style, causing issues for opposing defenses and contributing significantly to the team’s attacking efforts. Given the pivotal nature of the upcoming match against Chelsea, it would be prudent for Arteta to reinstate Calafiori in the lineup in place of Lewis-Skelly.
