“Solve this 5 Things & beat Arsenal” – 5 strong Enzo Maresca must to do ahead of Arsenal clash
Chelsea’s 1-1 tie with Manchester United left Blues supporters feeling conflicted.
Even though the Blues showed tenacity, they lost the game because of defensive errors and lost opportunities.
Here are five things manager Enzo Maresca and his players need to work on as Chelsea gets ready to play Arsenal in a pivotal Premier League match on November 10 in order to increase their chances of winning three points.
1) Enhance Defensive Solidity
Chelsea’s defense has shown signs of vulnerability, which was apparent against Manchester United.
The Blues conceded a penalty due to a lack of composure in their own box, highlighting the need for tighter discipline.
Arsenal’s attack, featuring the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz, can exploit even the smallest gaps in the defense.
Chelsea’s backline, including Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill, will need to stay compact, communicate effectively, and avoid unnecessary fouls that could lead to set-pieces or penalty opportunities for Arsenal.
Additionally, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca should stop the experiment of playing a right-back at left-back and start Marc Cucurella at left-back.
Chelsea’s defensive structure and discipline could well be the difference-maker in this match.
2) Chelsea Forwards Must Step Up
Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke, struggled to make a significant impact in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United.
Both players had opportunities to influence the game but failed to deliver the sharpness and creativity needed to break down the opposition.
If Chelsea are to overcome Arsenal’s resilient defense, Jackson and Madueke must elevate their performances, showing more composure in front of goal and better decision-making in the final third.
Jackson only had one shot against Manchester United while Madueke failed to trouble the Manchester United defence with his pace and trickery.
Both players must be at their best against Arsenal on Sunday to boost Chelsea’s chances of victory at Stamford Bridge.
3) Maintain Midfield Control
The midfield battle against Arsenal will be critical. Arsenal boasts a solid midfield led by players like Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, who is back from injury.
For Chelsea, winning the midfield duel will require Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to assert themselves as disruptors and playmakers.
Their ability to retain possession, intercept Arsenal’s forward movements, and initiate Chelsea’s attacks will be vital.
If the duo can consistently break up Arsenal’s play and transition quickly into attack, it will give Chelsea an upper hand.
Moreover, playing with high intensity in the midfield will allow Chelsea to nullify Arsenal’s attempts at dictating the flow of the game.
4) Effective Squad Rotation
Chelsea’s fixture schedule is packed, with matches in the Premier League and the UEFA Conference League demanding physical and mental stamina from the players.
Chelsea face FC Noah in the Conference League, which means that Maresca has limited recovery time to ensure his players are fit and prepared for the Arsenal clash.
Given this congestion, the manager must be strategic with his squad rotation to prevent burnout and potential injuries.
Maresca might consider resting key players during the FC Noah match to keep them fresh for the more intense game against Arsenal.
Additionally, he could give opportunities to fringe players to build their match fitness and be better prepared to step in when needed.
Rotation isn’t just about resting players; it’s about keeping the squad cohesive and ensuring that there’s healthy competition for spots in the lineup.
5) Cole Palmer’s Fitness Crucial After Injury Scare
Cole Palmer ended the game against Manchester United with an injury scare after a rough tackle from defender Lisandro Martinez.
Despite playing through the discomfort, his fitness is now a concern heading into the high-stakes match against Arsenal.
Palmer has quickly established himself as a key playmaker for Chelsea, consistently delivering the creativity and vision that the team needs in the final third.
With Arsenal’s defense likely to be organized and difficult to break down, Palmer’s presence could be the difference in creating chances.
His skill in linking up with midfielders and forwards brings a unique fluidity to Chelsea’s attack, allowing players like Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke more space and opportunities to score.
Without Palmer, Chelsea could struggle to find that extra spark needed to unsettle Arsenal’s backline.
Ensuring he’s fit and ready for Sunday’s game will be vital for Chelsea’s hopes of securing a positive result.
Conclusion
The Chelsea vs. Arsenal game will be a significant test for Enzo Maresca’s side.
After a draw against Manchester United that felt like an opportunity missed, Chelsea now has the chance to prove their mettle against one of the top teams in the league.
By addressing their defensive lapses, improving their finishing, controlling the midfield, rotating the squad wisely, and managing injuries effectively, Chelsea can put themselves in a strong position to get a positive result.
This game isn’t just about three points—it’s a chance for Chelsea to demonstrate that they’re a team capable of competing with the Premier League’s best.
If they can get these five key areas right, Blues fans may well be in for an exciting and rewarding encounter against Arsenal.