Chelsea - Arsenal: Stamford Bridge - 'The Graveyard of the Gunners'

(Baonghean.vn) - At 7:30 p.m. on September 17 (Vietnam time), coach Wenger and his team will compete with the home team Chelsea in round 5 of the Premier League 2017/2018. Will Arsenal be able to break the losing streak that has lasted for the past 5 years at Stamford Bridge, or will the smile remain with coach Conte's team?

The King Resurrects

“If Hazard plays, there is no doubt that Chelsea is the stronger team. But in this match, I think Chelsea does not need Hazard. The way Arsenal played shows that they are too naive. They cannot make it difficult for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge because the game is open like this.” That is the opinion of former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy about the key match between Chelsea and Arsenal in round 5 of the Premier League 2017/2018.

Indeed, Danny Murphy's blunt statements are completely reasonable, at least in the current situation of the two teams. After losing 2-3 to Burnley at home in the opening match, coach Conte and his team have won 4 consecutive matches (3 in the Premier League, 1 in the Champions League). Chelsea's strikers have scored 12 goals and only twice defeated goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Chelsea players celebrate in the 6-0 victory over Karabakh in the Champions League. Photo: Internet

In particular, the three opponents who were defeated by Morata and his teammates in the domestic league were all difficult teams: Tottenham, Everton, Leicester City. It was even more impressive when at that time, the team under coach Conte was missing many key players. The number 1 star Hazard had not recovered from injury, Pedro and Bakayoko were also injured for the same reason, while the captain Cahill and the conductor Fabregas were suspended after red cards in the loss to Burnley...

However, under the leadership of the Italian captain, the Chelsea ship not only did not sink but on the contrary, it also sailed towards the finish line with extraordinary strength. The tragedy of coach Mourinho in the 2015/2016 season with Chelsea and of coach Ranieri with Leicester City in the 2016/2017 season did not happen to coach Conte and the team at Stamford Bridge, at least at this time. The Blues are returning to their rightful position as defending champions.

"The children" were confused

Witnessing Chelsea’s revival, Arsenal fans must be extremely worried about their team’s trip to Stamford Bridge. Even the most optimistic Gooners are not confident that Arsenal will leave West London with more than 1 point in hand because of the many disadvantages that the team nicknamed “the Gunners” has.

Mentality is perhaps a luxury at Arsenal. Seeing how Wenger and his players were tormented by Liverpool players in the third round match, no one would be surprised if they did the same thing again. After days of "making a fuss" to say goodbye to Arsenal but failing, Sanchez now plays like a shadow. Even when serving the Chilean national team, the player wearing the number 7 shirt is bland and harmless.

The duo Sanchez - Ozil are facing psychological and performance instability. Photo: Internet

Ozil's situation is even more serious, up to now, the German star has not had a single goal or assist. The former Real Madrid midfielder often disappears from the attack, contributing greatly to the team's failures. It is worth mentioning that the player of Turkish origin plays brilliantly for the German national team. Therefore, Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit did not hesitate to criticize this midfielder: "I am most disappointed with Ozil's attitude in playing."

With two of their best stars looking so lifeless, it would be strange if Arsenal didn’t look worn out and weak. With that spirit at Stamford Bridge, what can coach Wenger and his team do to stop the home team’s meteoric rise?

Even with the best spirit, Stamford Bridge is not a "good land" for the Gunners. Since October 29, 2011 (Arsenal beat Chelsea 5-3) until now, coach Wenger and his team have only known defeat and defeat every time they visit their neighbor (5 defeats). Note that in Arsenal's two away trips in the Premier League 2017/2018 against Stoke City (0-1) and Liverpool (0-4), the North London team both had to accept defeat. This trip away from Emirates Stadium will bring more harm than good for Arsenal players.

Coach Wenger will be holding his head in the cabin, while Coach Conte will be dancing excitedly on the sidelines. That's the scenario for the Chelsea - Arsenal match!

Thanh Hung