Chelsea vs Arsenal: Three key players to look out for

A mammoth London Derby is upon us at Stamford Bridge as we analyse the three players who could play a pivotal role in the game between Chelsea and Arsenal.

When Chelsea host Arsenal, it will mark the start of a new managerial rivalry between Mauricio Pochettino and Mikel Arteta. The duo have been close friends off the field. But this clash will make them forget those bonds and take up the challenge that could prove defining for either team.

Pochettino will oversee this game at the back of three straight wins in all competitions. The Argentine will have hoped to build some much-needed momentum within the team, and there are tricky ramifications on the timing of this Arsenal clash.

For the Gunners, they are coming here after securing a stellar win over Manchester City, their first over Pep Guardiola’s side after a run of 12 straight defeats. Yet, nobody in their right mind would expect Arteta to get carried away, as he will put out his best available team to secure another victory at a venue that has become very familiar to the Spaniard.

Arsenal are on the quest to become the first team in Premier League history to achieve four consecutive wins at Stamford Bridge. For that to happen, some of the players have to be at their very best to get the job done. The same goes for Chelsea, who have several stars who can change the outcome of this game.

With both teams high on momentum, this will prove an interesting contest and one that would surely entertain. One of the key areas for these teams is the midfield, with the audiences likely to witness three £100 million-plus players taking on the field at the same time.

There are other players in different positions. But it’s the midfield that will win either side of the game. Hence, this contest promises plenty of individual battles, which could have a significant say in the way the result goes. Here, we look at the three key players who could play a pivotal role in this smashing London Derby at Stamford Bridge.

Gabriel Magalhaes

The Arsenal man has been an improved defender since the turn of the year. Having received criticism for his momentary yet costly sloppiness at the start of last season, the Brazilian has now become a solid force at the back for the Gunners.

For all the hard work he does, Gabriel often goes under the radar, for William Saliba takes all the plaudits for some astute defending at the back. Even against Manchester City, the Frenchman was superb. But Gabriel was imperious in his display and the ability to pocket Erling Haaland as well as the wide attacker.

He will have fond memories of Arsenal’s trip to Stamford Bridge last season. Gabriel scored the eventual winner from a Bukayo Saka corner and will aim to repeat the feat this time around. However, he will face the challenge of some quick attackers like Nicolas Jackson and Raheem Sterling here but also have to remain wary of the cleverness of Cole Palmer.

In all, Gabriel must remain focused on the task at hand and put in another stellar performance to elevate his team. Chelsea are a challenging side for the defender, although he is not someone to shy away from any task.

Raheem Sterling

The 28-year-old winger will have a point to prove after consecutive snubs from Gareth Southgate. Between the two international breaks, Sterling has drastically improved his form and produced key performances in each of Chelsea’s last two wins in the Premier League.

Last season, in this fixture, Sterling was anonymous and will hope that changes this time around. Pochettino continues to look at the winger in a different light as the 28-year-old steadily becomes Chelsea’s main man in the attack.

However, the challenge Arsenal pose for Sterling is far more difficult than the likes of Burnley. If the multi-time Premier League winner does start on the left wing, he must make use of whatever space comes his way, as the likes of Ben White and Saliba will barely afford any.

Sterling possesses the ability to become a man under the spotlight. Still, this Arsenal defence can pocket him as they did with Haaland & Co on the previous matchday. Hence, the winger must take on the challenge and put in a match-winning performance at Stamford Bridge.

Declan Rice

The Chelsea-Arsenal game will likely see three £100 million-plus midfielders line up, with Declan Rice likely to take the spotlight on his head. Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo have yet to look anywhere close to that £100 million midfielder.

Rice, on the other hand, has put in consistent performances in every game for Arsenal this season, thus becoming Arteta’s main man in that central midfield. With the bonus of having Thomas Partey by his side against Chelsea, Rice will want to take full control of that midfield in this London Derby.

Incidentally, the midfield is where this game will be won or lost. Chelsea have the combativeness of Conor Gallagher over the expertise of the South American duo. All in all, this promises to be an intriguing battle of wits for all those players, as the game could centre in the middle for large parts.

Rice is a curve above the rest, considering his elite levels. The former West Ham star has managed some of the big games already this season, and his engine will likely see Arsenal get the edge at Stamford Bridge and dominate proceedings, including that expensively assembled Chelsea midfield.