Key Battles – Arsenal vs Chelsea

It’s good vs evil, beauty vs beast, aesthetics vs brutality, Wenger vs Mourinho, in short its Arsenal vs Chelsea. Arsenal will be looking to make a statement when the Champions elect visit the Emirates. While the league title may be a touch too far, a win today will have telling implications next season; and Arsenal should lay down a marker for the future.

Wenger vs Mourinho

It’s been done to death, Arsene Wenger hasn’t beaten the greatest monster in history Jose Mourinho in 12 attempts. Will Wenger slay his greatest foe at the thirteenth time of asking? We will know later tonight. Mourinho is the anti-Wenger, he stands against what Wenger has fought for pretty much all his career. Mourinho will be up for this, he will revel himself as the pantomime villain. Arsene declared that it’s a test Arsenal have to pass to show how far they have matured this season and its a test for Arsene as well.

Mesut Ozil vs Chelsea’s Parked Bus

It’s pretty obvious that Chelsea will be looking for a draw and even at home against Man United, they played Matic and Zouma in midfield. So don’t expect Chelsea to play expansive football. They will have even their forward behind the ball. So its upto Arsenal to break the wall down. If anyone can unpick the tightest of defences, it’s Mesut Ozil. The German has been inspired of late but Mourinho knows him too well from their time at Madrid. He would have instructed his players to block off the passing lanes to Mesut Ozil rather than man mark him. To be honest, the German is a nightmare to mark against. One moment he trudges lazily in front of you, the next moment he would be behind you delivering a killer ball. Ozil is a cerebral assassin, you have to be extremely intelligent to counter him.

Eden Hazard vs Mathieu Debuchy

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If I ever had to like a Chelsea player, it’s the Belgian. Hazard has been the go to man for Chelsea this term and its no wonder he’s the favorite for the PFA player of the year. Hazard is deceptively quick and he’s also becoming a lethal finisher. The goal against Man United last weekend was a testament to his improving efficiency in front of goal. Mathieu Debuchy, who is likely to be the right back, will have a huge task in front of him. While Bellerin has been excellent, Debuchy is for me a better all round player and his experience is vital. Debuchy can’t stop Hazard on his own and whoever starts ahead of him has to help the Frenchman.

Cesc Fabregas vs Emirates crowd

In Arsene Wenger’s words: give him the respect he deserves. Does he deserve any?

It may not be a title deciding six pointer but anything that upsets Mourinho has to be enjoyed and nothing is more enjoyable than seeing Arsene Wenger getting one over his nemesis.