Arsenal host Sarri’s high flying Chelsea this weekend in what looks to be a do or die encounter for the gunners. A loss will put an end to Emery’s top 4 hopes and could see Arsenal slip to 6th in the table if United beat Brighton. While a win over the blues could reignite the race for the last champions league spot. Stakes are certainly high for both the sides. And on Saturday, both teams will want their star players to perform.
And it’s not just Arsenal vs Chelsea, it’s a clash of two of League’s biggest stars; Eden Hazard and Pierre Emerick Aubameyang.
Aubameyang has taken the league by storm ever since his arrival from Dortmund. He is the current joint top scorer in the league as well with 14 goals and his pace is next to no one. But the Gabon international has lately been criticised for his vague performances in big games, a tag he so dearly would want to change. Chelsea is the perfect opportunity to set the tone to these changes with some fixtures against big clubs due over the next few weeks.
Although he will come up against the physique of David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger but they certainly won’t be able to get better of the Gabonese on pace. He may start on the left flank coming up against Cesar Azpilicueta, yes the Spainard may be well one of the most experienced full back in the Premier League but he is likely to suffer against the pace of Auba and physique of Sead Kolasinac.
On the other hand Eden Hazard is a proven big game player. The Belgian is directly involved in 18 goals, scoring 10 times. But the former Lille player is rumoured to be on his way to Madrid after reportedly rejecting a contract extension at Chelsea. But no matter what the future holds for Hazard, Chelsea need their marquee player to perform like he does always in order to strengthen that 4th spot.
Captivating Hazard in this Chelsea squad is all that Arsenal need to focus on, yes others do have quality but Eden takes them to just another level. He is expected to keep Arsenal defenders on the front foot all the time as he is known for doing.