Paul Merson fears Mikel Arteta could make one key tactical error in Chelsea v Arsenal

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Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson believes the Gunners may play into Chelsea’s hands on Saturday.

Arsenal will take on London rivals Chelsea in a Premier League match at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

Despite the Blues having the home advantage, Mikel Arteta will be convinced that his side have what it takes win and return to the Emirates Stadium with all three points in the bag.

It won’t be easy, and they will have to be at their best, but given the quality of the Gunners’ squad and the form they have shown in their unbeaten start to the Premier League season far, they ought to be able to get the job done.

However, Paul Merson is concerned that one tactical issue could prove to be their undoing.

The 55-year-old, who spent twelve years on the books for the north London club during his career, feels that the way Arsenal will approach this match could benefit the hosts.

Writing for Sky Sports, he said “[Chelsea] have the pace on the break and teams have to come out. But when teams come and sit 10 men behind the ball, they struggle badly as they do not have the guile to break them down.”

“Arsenal come to Stamford Bridge this weekend and they will have a go at Chelsea, so it will be interesting. But against the better teams, like Liverpool who had a right go, those are the games Chelsea have played well in this season.”

Arsenal must trust their own process

Despite being the away team, Arsenal likely will take the game to Chelsea. Arteta will certainly want to see his side play aggressively and on the front foot. This, as Merson suggests, could leave them vulnerable to counter attacks.

Arsenal are used to dealing with this threat, though. In William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes they have a centre-back pairing the with pace and power to engage with attackers in full flight.

The Gunners’ regard will also be protected by Declan Rice, who is one of the best in the game at snuffing out emerging counter attackers. The rest of the Arsenal attacking contingent will also be expected to work hard defensively and track back diligently.

Merson’s warning ought to be kept in mind but Arsenal and Arteta should still keep faith in their own methods and approach this crucial match without fear.