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Aaron Ramsey’s key role as Arsenal may adopt safe approach against Chelsea

23:48 17/08/2018

Arsenal will be hoping to put their opening fixture defeat against Manchester City behind them when they play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The Gunners were outplayed in a 2-0 defeat at home to the champions will want a better result from the first London derby of the season.

Here are a couple of key tactics for Arsenal to look out for.

Read all about Chelsea’s key tactics here.

THREE MAN CENTRAL MIDFIELD

Unai Emery demands his team play out from the back but that landed them in hot water against Manchester City’s high-press. Chelsea are likely to exert similar pressure on their defence and that could see them struggle again.

A switch to a three-man central midfield could enable the Gunners to cope better with Lucas Torreira – who made an impact off the bench against City – coming into the fold. Matteo Guendouzi showed bravery in his attempts to receive possession in tight areas during his mixed debut but regularly lost the ball as well.

With an extra body in midfield to show for the ball in the build-up, the 19-year-old could get the support he needs. This system also allows Aaron Ramsey the freedom to join the attack from deep where his late runs forward can be far more effective.

PLAYING IT SAFE

Beginning his Arsenal reign with back-to-back defeats against top-six rivals won’t sit well with Emery. As a result, he may be tempted to play it safe and stick to a 4-2-3-1 system which features a double pivot in midfield.

Granit Xhaka was disappointing last week and Guendouzi could well be partnered by Torreira instead but their problems when playing out from the back may persist. However, the formation does offer them a more stable defensive structure, and away from home, that may be the priority.

It could also see Ramsey retain his number 10 role from where he can attempt to mark Jorginho out of the game off the ball while Mesut Ozil operates from the right side.

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