Chelsea and Arsenal's new regimes under Maurizio Sarri and Unai Emery got off to contrasting Premier League starts, but Saturday's clash between the two will provide a truer test of where the London rivals stand.
Failure to qualify for this season's Champions League provoked big changes at both clubs. But, while Chelsea is used to the upheaval of coaches coming and going under Roman Abramovich, Arsenal is still settling into Emery's new era after 22 years with Arsene Wenger in charge.
The early signs suggest it will take Emery time to stem years of decline towards the end of Wenger's reign. However, the Spaniard had the misfortune to face champion Manchester City on his Premier League debut as Arsenal was outclassed in a 2-0 defeat on home soil last weekend.
Sarri has also insisted it will take at least two months to implement the free-flowing attacking style that made him a coach in demand at Napoli.
RELATED | Hazard among Europe's best but can improve, says Sarri
But, despite a disrupted pre-season due to his late arrival at Stamford Bridge to replace Antonio Conte, the departure of Thibaut Courtois and speculation over a host of other key players, Chelsea was too good for Huddersfield in an opening day 3-0 win.
There were already clear hallmarks of Sarri's influence as Jorginho, who followed his boss from Napoli to Chelsea in the summer, controlled the midfield.
Chelsea is likely to be even stronger this weekend as Eden Hazard could return to the starting lineup after he shone in a 15-minute cameo at Huddersfield following his World Cup exertions with Belgium.
Conte won just one of the eight meetings with Arsenal in two seasons in charge. A quick reversal of fortunes this weekend would suggest Sarri is headed in the right direction.
WATCH | Big Match Focus - Chelsea vs Arsenal
Spurs' home from home
After failing to sign a single player in the transfer window, Tottenham's poor month off the field continued with the news this week that the club's new stadium won't be ready until at least October.
That means Mauricio Pochettino's men will play their first three home games of the season at Wembley, starting with the visit of Fulham on Saturday. Pochettino has vowed to deliver wins for fans frustrated by the delay.
And, more fixtures at the home of English football might not be a handicap on Spurs' ambitions. After failing to win any of its first three home games last season, Tottenham won 13 of the next 16 Premier League games at Wembley, once it adjusted to its new surroundings.
RELATED | Pochettino expects 'toughest season' yet at Tottenham
Time for City's squad to shine
City's victory at Arsenal without ever hitting top gear last weekend was ominous for the challengers trying to stop Pep Guardiola's men becoming the first side in a decade to retain the title.
But, City was dealt a huge blow when Kevin De Bruyne suffered a serious knee injury in training on Wednesday, expected to keep the Belgian sidelined for at least two months.
If any squad is equipped to deal without a world-class talent like De Bruyne, it is probably the one at Guardiola's disposal.
Bernardo Silva starred against Arsenal and Chelsea in the Community Shield from a more central role with new signing Riyad Mahrez starting on the right.
David Silva is yet to play a minute this season and 18-year-old Phil Foden has been tipped by Kyle Walker to take his chance in De Bruyne's absence.
“We don't just rely on a player. It's a team game and whoever steps in will do well. Obviously, it's a big loss but we've got more than enough cover,” said Walker. Life without De Bruyne begins at home to Huddersfield on Sunday.
RELATED | De Bruyne injury: Can Foden or Diaz replace Man City playmaker?
Comments
SHARE