While Arsenal and Manchester City’s battle for top spot in the Premier League table is dominating a lot of football discussion at this moment in time, there is one team in great form who are somewhat flying under the radar. That side is Chelsea – who find themselves in fifth position at the time writing having won their three of their last five league fixtures.
Whether they can make a push remains to be seen, however, we will be able to grasp a better understanding of the Blues’ legitimacy in early November when they take on league leaders Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. The Gunners have been clinical to start their Premier League campaign – therefore – if Graham Potter’s side can secure the win and potentially move back into the top four, it could prove crucial in the context of their season.
That’s easier said than done, and they’ll need their key players to step up if they’re to justify the Chelsea v Arsenal betting odds and defeat this confident and resilient Arsenal outfit. With that in mind, read on as we dissect Chelsea’s danger men who could pose a threat to Arsenal in their upcoming clash on November 6th.
Raheem Sterling
In what was Chelsea’s marquee acquisition in the offseason, the importance of Raheem Sterling’s impact cannot be overstated. When the 27-year-old is on-song and penetrating the opposition’s back four, the Blues look like one of the best teams in the league. However, that’s been too few and far between this season, with Sterling’s inconsistency being a cause for concern for fans of the west London club.
Despite breakout performances against Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City early in the season, there have been too many games in 2022/23 where the extremely talented forward has been off the pace. While judging a player’s performance purely on statistics can be somewhat lazy – three goals and an assist in ten games is just not enough production from a team’s star player. Despite his poor form of late, Sterling isn’t someone you want to write off – and if he can manage to get on the score sheet for the first time in more than five games, it could not only help Chelsea secure a signature win over Mikel Arteta’s outfit – it could also act as a turning point in Sterling’s season.
Mason Mount
A player who has been a catalyst for Chelsea’s success in recent times is midfielder Mason Mount. Since Potter took over the managerial role from Thomas Tuchel in early October, his offensive-minded approach and willingness to promote the ball upfield has suited Mount’s style of play immensely – and that is evident in the English international’s performances of late – with the 23-year-old registering two goals and two assists in his last five games across both Premier League and Champions League fixtures.
Mount was particularly impressive in Chelsea’s Champions League triumph over AC Milan away from home, laying on two assists en route to a 2-0 victory that moved his side to the top of Group E.
Thiago Silva
Brazilian icon Thiago Silva has been a stalwart for Chelsea since joining the club in the summer of 2020. He’s yet again been one of Chelsea’s best players this season, steadying proceedings with conviction as part of a three-at-the-back system. Although his statistics aren’t particularly eye-popping (two assists in 13 games), his composure and understanding of what to do in big moments is invaluable to the Blues’ success.
If Silva and company can remain sturdy at the back and keep a clean sheet against formidable forwards Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka, it will give Potter’s side every chance of coming away with the win.
