What Mikel Arteta did for Arsenal against Chelsea earlier this season worked wonders – but he must not repeat it

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Arsenal welcome Chelsea to the Emirates Stadium looking to end a run of three games in the Premier League without a win.

Arsenal’s last domestic victory was against Leicester City when auxiliary striker Mikel Merino saved the day with two late strikes.

It sparked a run of three games without a win that has ended any glimmering hopes of a Premier League title and Mikel Arteta’s side now battling to secure Champions League qualification for next season.

Arteta has hinted that Gabriel Martinelli will not start against Chelsea as he continues to be eased back from injury. Last time out against the Blues the manager put on a tactical masterclass to nullify Chelsea’s main threat but he may have to rethink his plan ahead of the clash at the Emirates Stadium.

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Mikel Arteta made tactical tweak for Arsenal against Chelsea this season

The Gunners boss is constantly analysing and coming up with new ways to gain the vital edge within matches and this was no different during the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge earlier this season.

Arsenal were the better team on the day and should have taken three points with Martinelli opening the scoring before former transfer target Pedro Neto equalised.

Cole Palmer was at the peak of his powers during that spell in the season and Arteta changed Arsenal’s shape to a 4-1-4-1 formation in order to prevent any space for the Chelsea playmaker.

It worked wonders during that match as Palmer cut a frustrated figure and had it not been for a late cross just going beyond the reach of Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz in the final seconds, Arsenal would have won the match.

However, the upcoming clash at the Emirates is a game that the Gunners simply have to win and they may need to be more expansive in order to break Chelsea down, who will no doubt settle for a point.

Thomas Partey will need to improve on recent performances to stop Palmer

The midfielder that was entrusted to stop Palmer in the previous encounter was Thomas Partey, who was given the job of staying close to the Chelsea forward whenever he picked up the ball.

Partey has enjoyed his most successful season at Arsenal since joining the club having made 41 appearances in all competitions and been one of the most consistent performers for the Gunners.

However Arsenal fans were furious with Partey against PSV in a recent European tie after he gave away a needless penalty and he was not at his best against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

It could be that the amount of football played this season is beginning to take its toll on the 31-year-old and that Declan Rice may be more suited to getting about the pitch and closing down Palmer.

That would take away Rice’s recent impact going forward but with the creativity of Martin Odegaard and Ethan Nwaneri alongside the potential return of Martinelli, the Gunners should have enough to unlock the Chelsea door.