Having watched Chelsea against Porto, a few observations about Sunday’s game. With a bit of luck Porto could have won that game walking away. Clearly Porto passing game,in no way as sophisticated as Arsenal’s slick one touch passing and off-the-ball-man movement, exposed Chelsea’s lack of defensive speed. Also, more often than not Chelsea’s midfield play wide too often and don’t create all that many scoring opportunities. Ballack was only one gear left and must resort to cheap fouls to compensate for his lack of speed. Arsenal, on the other hand, has speed to burn. Speed kills, and Arsenal’s speed on the flanks and passing game will create space in the middle of the field and scoring opportunities which will expose Chelsea’s defensive deficiencies.

For a man of Drogba’s size, he has the balance of a toddler and flops like a fish on land at the every opportunity. Me thinks that, after recent dives and un-sportsmanlike play in the league and in Europe, the refs won’t easily fall for his cheap theatrics. An ever ready yellow card should keep his chronic cheating and diving in check. Beyond that, the key will be Song and Denilson cutting off Anelka’s and Drogba’s ball supply in midfield. After all, they can’t score if they don’t get the ball. To that end, both Song and Denilson will have to play more defensive positions.

Key Chelsea players could be Essien and Malouda. Essien is simply a beast of a player capable of swinging a game any time he’s on the ball going forward. It’s uncertain Arsenal can contain physicality in midfield. Malouda’s new found form, pace and technique is equally worrisome.

On balance, Arsenal boast greater on-ball talent and their possession play should swing the final result in Arsenal’s favor. Final score: 2 Arsenal – 1 Chelsea.

Philldawg will watch the game over a Philly cheese steak sandwich with fried onions.

Can’t wait!!

Enjoy one and all.