EPL reloaded
Arsene Weneger
What you need to know:
SOCCER. The English Premier League returns hotter than ever before, with sumptuous curtainraiser Community Shield clash between champions Chelsea and Cup holders Arsenal.
For only the second time in the history of this match, Chelsea and Arsenal meet tomorrow to compete for the first silverware of the season.
The Gunners are the third most successful team in the history of the annual match after Man Utd (20) and Liverpool (15). The North Londoners have won the Cup 13 times in contrast to Chelsea’s four triumphs. The last time these two sides met, in 2005, Chelsea triumphed 2 – 1.
Arsenal defeated the former Premier League champions Man City 2–1 at the beginning of last season but this time they’ll face a tougher test in Mourinho’s Chelsea. Petr Cech’s first outing in an Arsenal shirt will be against his former club. The towering goal keeper won almost all the major laurels with the Blues before being replaced by the Belgian keeper Thibaut Courtois. The 33-year-old moved to Chelsea’s rivals as he didn’t want to move away from London because of his family. Many are suggesting that Cech’s transfer to Arsenal have made them genuine title contenders.
Cech factor
The former Chelsea player’s experience and brilliance will be crucial for Arsene Wenger’s men. Chelsea skipper John Terry believes that his former teammate can even save upto 12 or 15 points for his new team. “There’s talk of Arsenal signing Petr Cech and, if they do get him, he will strengthen them for sure. He will save them 12 or 15 points a season,” said the former England skipper.
Cech also brings in his winning mentality to the squad which could also be infectious. His presence in between the sticks and in the dressing room will certainly boost the whole squad and the manager. In their last five matches in all competitions, including the pre-season games, the Gunners have won each of them.
The West Londoners’ faultless record was spoiled by New York Red Bulls in the International Champions Cup in the United States.
But Chelsea are way ahead of their arch rivals when we compare the last five head to head clashes. Chelsea have had the upper hand in three out of five games and the Gunners have failed to record even a single victory.
