Guns aimed at Chelsea
In the Eastlands, as an Arsenal side virtually unrecognisable from this time last year ran rings around the current league champions, it was difficult to not reminisce about the last great Arsenal side to play in the league.
Arsene’s Invincibles, circa 2003, had made attacking an art form, with pace and breathtaking skill being paramount to their success.
Cut to 2012, tiny Santi Cazorla, potentially one of the signings of the seasons, was creating beautiful patterns on the Etihad grass, spraying passes every other way.
With Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey and Abou Diaby providing more than able support, City supporters could be forgiven for questioning their own players exorbitant price tags. Their side looked ragged and short of ideas, with brief flashes of their ability up for display.
League leaders Chelsea travel to Arsenal tonight under Roberto di Matteo, who despite his inexperience at the top level, has shown that predictions of an early sacking may be slightly off the mark.
Chelsea come armed with their own attacking talent — each jewel in their team a result of a lavish outlay, meticulously put together for a single purpose. To keep the stubbled Russian head honcho happy.
And happy he well may be. Last seasons star, Juan Mata, continues to excel. The mercurial £32 million man Eden Hazard has been both flashy and productive, providing a cut and thrust to Chelsea’s attack this season. The Brazilian 21-year-old Oscar, slight of build but quick of guile, has shown immense promise thus far.
Concerns remain, however, over Fernando Torres’ form and the strikers position. In defence, David Luiz and John Terry have formed an uneasy partnership, with the former still prone to going on random walkabouts. This London derby promises to enthral, and with such high stakes, it’s more than likely it will.
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