An opening loss against Manchester City makes this game that little bit tougher, as we go to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea.
The fixture list wasn’t kind to Arsenal, and had no reprieve for Unai Emery’s new regime, with the last two winners of the Premier League as our opening two opponents. It means Unai Emery may be waiting a wee while before getting his first win.
Still, Blues boss Mauricio Sarri is also dealing with a new club and new players, so this game will be a truer vision of where we stand for this current campaign. We have a better chance in this game than against a rampant and unmatched City team, and Emery will have watched Chelsea’s opening day win over Huddersfield very closely for any signs of weakness that we can exploit.
We could change a few things in our team, but one of them won’t be who takes the gloves. Emery alluded to the fact that Cech will again start the game in his press conference, ahead of summer signing Bernd Leno, so the Czech stopper will get the chance to play against his former team.
Our defence will be boosted by the return of Nacho Monreal – and just in the nick of time. With Sead Kolasinac and Ainsley Maitland-Niles out for the foreseeable, the Spaniard will be a welcome addition. Stephan Lichtsteiner played well on the left, and his solidarity and experience at the back may just oust Hector Bellerin in this tough away fixture.
In midfield, another summer signing, Lucas Torreira, may come in to tighten things up in the face of Jorginho and Kante. Matteo Guendouzi played well against City despite his errors, and his mobility and transitional play were a highlight, and could be vital at The Bridge.
A lot has been said about incorporating Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette into the same side, but this game may see Lacazette remain on the bench, and Emery may wait to unleash both players together for a slightly less fraught game where defensive solidarity will be just as important as firepower.
It will see Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Mesut Ozil play just behind the Gabon striker, and our bench should be a strong one, with Lacazette, Iwobi, Welbeck and perhaps Xhaka waiting to come on when needed.
Our recent record versus Chelsea is strong, but on our last six visits to Stamford Bridge, we have one point, with very few goals to show for it too. We have lacked in away games versus the so called ‘Top6’ in the last few seasons – a win here would show that Emery is making good progress on our squad.
Our new coach will be looking to squeeze the best out of his squad, but this will take some time to achieve, so a tight game is on the cards. Expect Chelsea to hit us hard, and with Hazard ready to start after appearing as a late sub last weekend, we know how we could be hurt if we lose concentration.
Then there is the small matter of Olivier Giroud making an appearance, with most fans still affectionate for the French striker. Giroud may start too, as Morata is desperately short of confidence in front of goal.
Three points is a big ask, but with an attack as potent as ours, if we click then we can take the win. We will have to utilise our pressing and make precious few errors though, as Chelsea looked in great shape in their win over Huddersfield.
Keep the faith Gooners – and remember that we need patience to see the fruits of Emery’s work. UTA.
Predicted Lineup – Cech, Lichtsteiner, Mustafi, Sokratis, Torreira, Guendouzi, Ramsey, Ozil, Mkhitaryan, Aubameyang.
Predicted scoreline – 2-1 to The Arsenal
Up The Arsenal 
Your assessment is very much in line with my own thoughts with one substantial variation – Lacazette for Ramsey.
Ramsey’s contribution last week was abysmal and made the attack lack balance and firepower, as soon as Lacazette was introduced the whole attack became energised and at least looked likely to score. The situation improved even more when Torriera joined the defence/midfield.
If we are to progress then lets use those who can deliver. Much has been written and spoken of the partnership of Aubameyang and Lacazette and there is evidence to support it from the end of last season and the warm ups prior to this season, albeit they were pre-season warm ups – but then Ramsey didn’t shine there either. Maybe a couple of games on the bench could help his decision making re his contract.
I totally agree with your comments garnering patience in regard to our new Manager, He does need time to embed his theories and playing style with the current squad. It will take a number of games to see the true pattern and those players who are best suited to making it work.
Unai Emery has the credentials to bring success to Arsenal, we need to give him the chance to develop a pool of players who respond to his teachings and are prepared to put total commitment into making it work.
I look forward to admiring the hard work and teamwork of Olivier Giroud again whilst hoping that his efforts will be in vain and that your predicted result will be on the scoreboard at the final whistle
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Ha, me too! I think your Ramsey-Laca shout is a good one, though I feel Emery will err on the side of caution away at Chelsea, so Laca will prob be on the bench again.
Regarding patience, I think the sound-minded Gooners will think the same, but there’s a large contingent who are strangers to the word- I hope he’s given time.
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