Arsenal take on Chelsea in a massive London derby at Stamford Bridge this weekend, and it has prompted a debate among supporters about the respective strengths of the two teams.
The Blues have spent over £1bn on new signings since the arrival of Todd Boehly last year, while the Gunners have not exactly been shy in splashing the cash in recent transfer windows either.
However, one team has clearly had much more success on the pitch, with Mikel Arteta’s side finishing runners-up last campaign and looking likely to mount another title challenge this year. Asked to select a combined XI between the two squads, Arsenal fans on X were struggling to come up with any Chelsea players they would include:
Literally nobody 😂
— J⚽️HNNY (@j_hnnyafc) October 19, 2023
Maybe Enzo
— Yaw Gooner (@IamForArsenal) October 19, 2023
I’m trying to be fair and real here! The answer is no.. not one atm. TBH, Enzo is very good.. I see him moving on if they don’t improve. Taking my Arsenal hat off.. a fully Fit James (but that never happens) would be ahead of White at RB. IMO
— DBArsenal (@DanielB699) October 19, 2023
No , not even James at the moment
— isaac zico (@isaaczic0) October 19, 2023
No chance
— Made_In_North_London 🔴⚪️ (@kingVon202) October 19, 2023
None of them
— GOAT 09 (@09Goat82240) October 19, 2023
Nope not for me…I will take our starting 11 over anyone right now.
— JS (@JsusAFC) October 19, 2023
Smart recuitment over a number of years has put Arsenal in a strong position
While it can’t be denied that Chelsea have brought in a lot of talented young players, they have yet to prove themselves at the highest level.
In contrast, Arsenal‘s acquisitions have shown they can compete with the very best that the Premier League has to offer. There are a couple of areas, such as a striker and the no.8 position, where they could arguably improve. For that reason, you could make the case for including Enzo Fernandez in a combined XI.
One of Chelsea’s best players is prone to injuries
Another position that could be up for debate is right-back. Although Ben White has proven himself very capable in the role, some may feel that Reece James is a more complete player, both in terms of his defending and contributions in the final third of the pitch.
However, the Chelsea captain has played just once this season, on the opening day against Liverpool, and his ongoing fitness problems mean that, in the long run, White would be the safer bet to have in your team.
