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Arsenal v Chelsea: 5 talking points

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 24: Eden Hazard of Chelsea on the shoulders of Mesut Ozil of Arsenal during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on January 24, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 24: Eden Hazard of Chelsea on the shoulders of Mesut Ozil of Arsenal during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on January 24, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) /
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HULL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 17: Theo Walcott of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Hull City and Arsenal at KCOM Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Hull, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
HULL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 17: Theo Walcott of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Hull City and Arsenal at KCOM Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Hull, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) /

2. Can Theo Walcott be a threat?

Arsenal attacker Theo Walcott can draw a lot of stick from opposing fans. He tends to play light on his feet and can disappear for weeks on end. Fortunately for the Gunners, he enters the Chelsea match playing very well.

The challenge for Walcott, as always, is to keep his momentum going. Ideally he can turn it into consistent play for a season, but that’s a discussion for another day. As it relates to Saturday, he just needs to remain in his current run of form.

He’ll face a real challenge in the form of Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante. The Frenchman is excellent at breaking up offensive play, and he’ll be keeping a particularly close eye on Walcott.

Don’t expect the Englishman to trouble Chelsea during long spells of Arsenal possession. Instead, he’ll need to torment Conte’s squad on the counter. If he can create a few credible chances in transition with his pace, it could help Arsenal emerge victorious.

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