Arsenal America

Russian Billionaire Abramovich has spent so much money that the club has decided to change the name to the Chelsea REDS! Of course I jest but one has to be impressed and amazed at what he has done for Chelsea and to English football. For example: Wayne Rooney is on his way to Chelsea for 35 million pounds. Normally I would laugh at such rubbish but now I read the entire article to see if it may be true. Abramovich’s money has changed Chelsea into the premierships “best” team and the Gunners now face a 1 vs 2 battle at Highbury.

Chelsea had last seasons best strike tandem and stingiest defense. They were lacking in the midfield and that’s where the money was spent first. The 17 million pound investment in Damien Duff has already proved to be a wise one. He commands the center with pace and determination and adds a significant scoring threat. Investments in Veron and Cole have not yet bore fruit. Makelele and Geremi were also purchased from Real Madrid and are set to make decisive contributions.

The defense was already strong but was made stronger and deeper with the addition of Wayne Bridge. Carlo Cudicini continues to be in excellent form and there are no rumors that Chelsea are in business to purchase a new GK.

When Abramovich started spending he didn’t stop at the strikers position even though there was quality up front. Adrain Mutu was bought for 18 million from Parma. The striker is yet to hit form but is a natural talent waiting to explode on the scene. Hernan Crespo was brought in from Italy also, but he did not live up to expectations there. In his first appearance in England he scored twice and has been a difference maker. Eidur Gudjohnsen seemed to be set for Eidur “Good-bye son” but a recent goal against Boro may have bought him more time on the pitch. Now that JFH is forced to fight for his job he is responding in all the right ways. Certianly the most tenacious of the strike pool he has seen his minutes grow as he gets results.

Manager Ranieri’s squad rotation philosophy has gained much critcism. Some blame it on a lack of chemistry in last year’s squad as the reason for not contending for the title. It’s certainly understandable, with so much talent, why Ranieri would be in a quandry as to who would work well with whom. The most important managerial aspect for Ranieri is to build a chemistry from all his resources and that starts with keeping the core of your starting XI the same. He has not done this and I suspect it will result in the end of his career at Chelsea.

Chelsea have yet to face a team and a manager as organized as the Gunners. Nor have they seen a sustained attack or a group that can play as physical. They come off an undeserved win at Boro and a nil-nil draw to Birmingham City. These matches should serve as reminders that Chelsea have yet to see the meat of their schedule while the Gunners are in the midst of theirs. The Gunners have the chemistry and the experience to take over first.

Arsenal America Predicts: We must admit, right now Chelsea scare us a bit. As noted, they haven’t really been tested. Arsenal haven’t lost to Chelsea in a very long time, that streak continues. Final score: 2-2