Arsene Wenger’s men will face off against the blues of Jose Mourinho on Sunday – a team Arsenal have had severe difficult of beating in recent years, especially under the Portuguese manager. For Arsenal to overcome their opponents there are three key battles, 3 of Wenger’s players will need to come out on top in.
Koscielny vs Diego Costa
Arsenal’s defence had done relatively well to keep the Brazilian quiet the last time, but the Frenchman was unable to stop the then in-form striker from netting Chelsea’s second.
The nature of that goal manifested from a ball over the defence, with very little players back to help, and when you give a striker of Costa’s quality that much room on goal, he will punish you.
The Chelsea man is very physical and evidently lethal in front of goal, despite being plagued with injuries this half of the season, which has seen him score far less than before Christmas. However, he is never man to be taken for granted.
Koscielny has enough experience and quality to deal with such a danger-man, and he will have to be on his toes once again on Sunday to ensure Chelsea’s main goal threat is kept at arms length.