Soccer

A Bridge too far for frail Gunners away at Blues

17 September 2017 - 00:00 By bleacherreport.com

The London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal headlines today's action in the English Premier League.
While Arsenal rediscovered some form against Bournemouth last time out in a 3-0 win, they've been poor in both of their away matches so far this term. Chelsea, who have found their swagger after an opening-day loss to Burnley, tend to relish these meetings at Stamford Bridge too.
Elsewhere today, Manchester United host Everton, with Wayne Rooney and Romelu Lukaku going up against their former clubs.
Talk of a crisis for the Blues seems a long time ago now, as manager Antonio Conte's team have slipped into an ominous groove in recent weeks.
A hard-earned 2-1 win at Leicester City was another emphatic sign that the Premier League champions are back to their best, and having already put Tottenham to the sword this season, they will be confident they can do something similar against the Gunners.
Rooney vs Devils... Lukaku vs ToffeesHope springs eternal when your team has a striker in form, too.With that in mind, a trip to United is probably the last thing the Merseyside club need, as they will come face-to-face with their red-hot former striker Lukaku.
Since arriving at the Red Devils, the burly Belgian has led the line brilliantly for his new team, netting four times in as many league matches. The power, pace and clinical finishing Lukaku has shown has been sorely missed by Everton.
United were not at their best against Stoke City last week, dropping their first points of the 2017/18 season. Mourinho will be demanding a response from his players in front of their own supporters against potentially testing opposition.
Everton have it in them to spring a surprise here, though it's unclear whether they have the quality needed to trouble the United defence. The Red Devils will eventually battle to a crucial victory.
Indeed, for Gunners boss Arsène Wenger this fixture is the perfect chance to show the team have worked on the obvious frailties that hindered them against the Reds. If they are going to have any chance of taking a positive result here, organisation and concentration must underpin their neat attacking play.
Based on their performances away from home as of late it's tough to see the Gunners digging out a win at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge...

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