Arsenal – Chelsea, Premier League – Prediction

Arsenal stands out for their pressing and superior defensive play.

Arsenal’s press is much better structured due to Arteta’s longer tenure with the team. Both teams have a problem in the center of attack, which is most noticeable when putting the ball into the penalty area—whether by dribbling or by crossing. Arsenal can rely on Martinelli, who has returned to the game, making things a little easier in attack. The build-up play towards the penalty area is good, even better than when Saka, Jesus, and Havertz were available. But getting the ball into the penalty area is a problem. And so is the finishing shot from there. And if the two teams look evenly matched in attack, defensively things are different—that is where the difference clearly favors Arsenal. In this tie, I expect Arsenal’s pressing to be highly effective. Arsenal has also regained its confidence in playing out from the flanks; faster actions on the wings have emerged, leading to the return of their usual style.

A much tougher match is shaping up for Chelsea.

Chelsea concedes goals due to individual mistakes, but they cannot change their style of play because there is no way for it to develop. The Blues simply have to get past these errors, and then Marseca’s style will emerge. Lately, Chelsea has been using Pedro Neto as a central striker, who has great speed. The question is whether Chelsea will manage to provide him with good passes. Chelsea will not close down in and around their penalty area, which, however, will give Arsenal good chances.

An attacking game is expected.

A great clash between two teams that play similar football. They have focused all their attention on ball possession, trying to transition through the midfield with accurate passes and relying on individual class when finishing attacks. We expect there to be goals from both teams in the match, but I fear that, for example, if Chelsea scores early, the Blues might then retreat and defend in a very low block. After all, over 2.5 goals seems far riskier to me than a goal-goal outcome.