Matchday is back upon us after what felt like an overly long and dull International Break. We are once again facing a game many dub the Martinelli Feature. He owns Chelsea through his past antics at the bridge really cementing his first team qualities. We at Art of Analysis expect a similar outcome once more.
The lineup:
I’ve gone for a more hopeful lineup. Given the injury status of most players, however with the break and the long rest I can only assume many will be match fit.
That front three is where the beauty in the chaos happens and where Mikel has taken to evolving Arsenal. Whilst traditionally Jesus played a solo role in CF and was determined to be more clinical. We have seen him drift more onto the right-hand side even on the wing with Saka allowing for an overlap for Ødegaard to drift into more direct Shadow striker role allowing his shots from outside the box so far this season.
This chaos drags defenders across to focus on 2 strikers in either Jesus, Saka or Ødegaard. Enabling the left winger in this case Martinelli, plenty of room to directly dribble at ta sole LB or simply into the box and enabling those direct crosses or curling shots. It’s a joy to watch!
The double midfield pivot of Rice and Partey we saw concur Man City a few weeks ago. I can only see it doing the same here. The need for intelligent build up play and defensive block presented by Partey in midfield should help stifle the likes of Caicedo and Enzo in the middle. Consequently, allowing a flourishing Rice to continue developing his own persona pivot between the 6 and the 8 role. Thus, utilising space and slowly creeping into that forward like and embracing the chaos in the final third… more on that to come.
The back line picks itself these days; along with Raya in goal. Arteta has his ways, he is sticking with them. Expect Ramsdale in FA and the Carabao for the time being.
Arteta – Embrace the Chaos:
As mentioned above this has been the shift Mikel has sought to create in Arsenal. During the latter stages of the season last year. Opposition sides had become to understand that stopping the right hand side combination of White, Saka and Ødegaard would stifle Arsenal in their attack and frustrate the team. As a result, we saw that increase in draws and even losses towards the end.
Mikel recognised this over the summer and sought to reintroduce and old method. Two up front! Two strikers to occupy a CB pair and even draw in a wing back. In doing so, it would create a huge level of space either side of middle allowing our wingers to thrive on the overlap.
The roaming Declan Rice from the 6 to the 8 or Kai Havertz drifting from 8 to a traditional CM would allow this further.
The reason being the space created would mean teams can either commit to blocking a wing of Arsenals attack. But in doing so they would need to fortify the middle third of pitch and ultimately always having one wing wide open.
So far this season we have often seen moments where either Saka on RW or whoever of Martinelli or Trossard on LW be in acres of space to receive a cross field pass from either a defender or a deep lying midfielder to spread play quickly and aggressively into attack.
That is Mikel’s formula to success the Raumdeuter and Striker combination to cause chaos up front. Allow either winger to penetrate the space and ultimately come away with a goal or at the very least testing the keeper each time it works!
Martinelli: The Young Brazilian at Home in London:
This young man is in my eyes the key to winning. For whatever reason he always performs at Stamford Bridge.
Suffering from success, not just a great line from DJ Khaled. But also can be attributed to Martinelli. After a stellar performance against Man City. Coming on at half time to absolutely change the game and prove that on his day no defence can cope with him.
The Chelsea side will be aware of the threat he poses. However, if rumours are to be believed in Reece James starting. I can see the sheer aggressive pace and directness from Martinelli causing him problems. Injury prone hamstring at less than 100% a smart man wouldn’t risk James against Gabriel. A smart man would also doble him up.
But therein lies the beauty of Artetas chaos. With the roaming Raumdeuter and Striker combination even if Martinelli is the one doubled up, Saka is free. We all know teams cannot risk such a thing. So I think this will be another Martinelli masterclass as a result.
Conclusions:
Arsenal are coming to South London to paint the town red! I expect a dominant performance controlling the game in possession and pace. With Chelsea in such disarray both on and off the pitch. This whilst still being a tricky match with an intense atmosphere should once more be on paper a game Arsenal win.
I doubt Chelsea will play with a low block at home, their fans surely wont stand for such a display. As a result, they could be playing right into the hands of Mikel and Arsenal. This must be another dominant performance, but with a scoreline to reflect!
Scoreline Prediction: 0 – 3 Arsenal Win.
POTM: Gabriel Martinelli
Suggested Bet: Martinelli Any Time Scorer & Both Teams To Be Carded: YES
Written by Reekesh Somaroo