Chelsea hosts Arsenal in Maurizio Sarri’s first home game of the Premier league. The Blues who began their account of the new league season with a 3-0 victory on the road to Huddersfield last weekend faces the Gunners in a traditional London derby game.
The Blues seems to be having poor run of form against their London rivals not because of the quality but lack of fire power especially in front of goal. Chelsea under Antonio Conte last season failed to grab a victory against the Gunners despite meeting 5 times. The last time Chelsea defeated Arsenal was in 2016.
The review of the Club’s last meeting with Arsenal have shown that Chelsea center forwards have struggled to find their form unlike previous times. Chelsea have lacked center forward in the mood of Didier Drogba to rise up to the occasion. Drogba during his days at the bridge made the headlines particularly when the two London teams lurk horns.
While Drogba seemed to be the spotlight of the last decade considering the London derby, Chelsea’s new center forward Alvaro Morata have taken the other way round. The Spaniard have struggled particularly against Arsenal as he is yet to score against the side despite playing more times against them than any team in the England top flight. The Spanish international have put up a below par performance against the North London club and have been touted by football analyst as the only set back separating Chelsea from defeating Arsenal on countless occasion.
Chelsea faces Arsenal this weekend with the intention of breaking their 7 games hoodoo. Sarri will no doubt need to make a big decision ahead of the crunch game. The decision becomes who to field in the center forward position when the two teams play. The previous meeting in the pre-season ending in a draw with Alvaro Morata missing from the spot. The Spaniard who has scored only 2 goals since the beginning of the year is obviously not the best choice for the position.
Sarri will need to turn to Olivier Giroud. The French international who was instrumental in Chelsea’s FA cup triumph last season remains the best berth. The World Cup winner have proven to be a player who rises up in big games with both collective and individual contributions to the team. Olivier Giroud also possesses huge aerial presence as well as ability to retain possession. The Frenchman despite his lack of pace remains the best option to lead the attacking line.
While Tammy Abraham provides youthful option for the Maurizio Sarri, Olivier Giroud’s experience and quality remains key if the Blues intend to win their London rivals in the 8th time of asking.