So, the most awaited London Derby is again knocking at the door after the beginning of the new season. It might be too early to judge these two sides on the basis of their performance in the opening match of the Premier League last weekend.
Chelsea won first match of the campaign with ease against Huddersfield Town with a margin of 3-0. On the other hand, the Gunners have to face defeat against the Premier League title holders Manchester City with a 2-0 margin despite showing a fighting spirit which surprised Pep Guardiola’s side to a certain extent.
The things will not be easy for Arsenal in the next match too as they are facing their local rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The only thing which might be in their favor is their recent performance against their arch rivals as Chelsea were unable to beat Arsenal in a single occasion last season.
Today ‘Arsenalcore’ will analyse one of the key battles of this derby which can play a crucial part this Saturday. Hector Bellerin and Cesar Azpilicueta will play at right back for their respective sides.
Both of them have played in many London Derbies before this match. So, once again they will be up against each other to finish in the winning side after the end of the match.
Cesar Azpilicueta :
The 28 year old Spanish right back is a part of Chelsea’s setup since 2012-13 season. It is going to his sixth season for the Blues and now he is one of the contenders to wear the armband for Chelsea. He will be a key figure for Chelsea not only against Arsenal but also for the rest of the season.
Azpi has been part of loads of Lodon derbies against Arsenal and the Spaniard will surely be a guide to the younger guys in the defence like Antonio Rudiger, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Ross Barkley to handle the pressure of this big match coming in the next weekend.
On the other hand, there have been certain changes in the way of Chelsea conducting their business on the pitch after changes of the pitch.
Former manager Antonio Conte used to play with 3-4-3 formation where Cesar Azpilicueta a part of three 3 men backline playing as a centre back. But, Maurizio Sarri prefers to switch him back to his former position(RB) in a 4-3-3 formation.
But things have changed a bit in these two seasons. After playing as a centre back for a couple of seasons, Cesar Azpilicueta may be a little slow which could limit him from going forward. It will certainly take time for Cesar Azpilicueta to set at the right side of the defence. Though his defensive skills have certainly improve and we will hope to see Cesar Azpilicueta in his full potential against the Gunners on Saturday.
Hector Bellerin :
Hector Bellerin has to play a key role for the Gunners if they are to win the match against the mighty Blues on Saturday.
The 23 year old Spanish right back begun his Arsenal career in 2014-15 season. Now, he has completely developed himself as one of the best right backs of the Premier League and it might be the time he starts to pay hefty dividends for the Gunners.
Under the management of their former manager Arsene Wenger, Hector Bellerin used to play as a wingback in the 3-4-3 formation.
Hector Bellerin’s run from the right flank will surely cause problem for the Chelsea’s left back i.e. Marcos Alonso. On the other hand, Hector Bellerin also have to nullify the attacking threats of Marcos Alonso from that flank of the field.
Hector Bellerin is potentially one of Unai Emery’s ‘untouchables’ and these big games are where he has to show ‘What he’z got’.
So, it will certainly be a key battle to watch out for. Cesar Azpilicueta might have the edge with his experience but Hector Bellerin can steal the show any day any time with his brilliant run from the right flank.
