3 big decisions Unai Emery must make before Arsenal vs Chelsea tie

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After being defeated in his opening game as Arsenal manager, Unai Emery has another tough ask as he bids to claim his first win in English football when he takes his team to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea at Saturday. The Gunners were never really given a look-in by champions Manchester City, who eased to a 2-0 success thanks to goals from Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva. Chelsea were themselves in full control as they eased past Huddersfield Town in their opening game, and they could recall Eden Hazard from the start such are the options available to Maurizio Sarri. If Emery is to move on from last weekend’s disappointment what factors does he have to consider and how can he orchestrate his first Arsenal win since he replaced Arsene Wenger?

Matteo Guendouzi or Lucas Torreira?

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Frenchman Guendouzi looked overwhelmed and outclassed against Manchester City – as many with his limited experience might – but it could be that his future outings are left for lower key opponents. If Chelsea, as expected, do throw everything at Arsenal on their own patch then bringing in Torreira both as a ball-winner and as a player capable of keeping the ball could be key to stemming the flow. Torreira played just 20 minutes against City and a string of fans and former Arsenal players were disappointed to see him restricted to a substitute outing. The 22-year-old’s involvement in the World Cup may be linked to Emery leaving him on the bench but the appetite for the Uruguay international to start this weekend is insatiable.

Will Lacazette and Aubameyang play together?

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Arsenal looked an entirely different proposition going forward once Alexandre Lacazette came on to play in behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on Sunday. Aaron Ramsey made way and it gave the hosts a new threat in attack and though they weren’t able to register, it gave City something to think about..Nevertheless, Emery must identify his first choice front four without much more delay. Arsenal fans have been debating all summer which of Aubameyang and Lacazette will lead the attack and while the Gabon man has the edge, many would like to see them play together.

The left-back dilemma

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Such has been Arsenal’s fortunes when it has come to injuries in recent seasons Wenger would have been well-served leaving a dossier for his replacement. That there was a fitness concern in the first half of Emery’s opening game in charge should come as no surprise as Ainsley Maitland-Niles went off with a knee problem after a collision with Kyle Walker. Stephan Lichsteiner came on out-of-position at left-back but the Swiss veteran cannot be a long-term option in that position.

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