Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich is definitely in a position to make an assessment of both Chelsea and Arsenal.
Kimmich has faced the two Premier League clubs this season, losing 3-1 to the latter in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Chelsea, in contrast to their London rivals, were beaten by Bayern in a fixture that ended in the same scoreline.
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Even so, it looks like Kimmich was actually more impressed with Enzo Maresca’s side.
Photo by S. Mellar/FC Bayern via Getty Images
According to Kimmich, Bayern’s game against Chelsea in the first round of Champions League fixtures was all about “playing football”.
Their match with Arsenal, on the other hand, was centred around physicality and set pieces, which has not left a good impression on the 30-year-old.
“We weren’t physically up to par against the ball, although it was clear what kind of game it would be,” Kimmich was quoted as saying by Goal. “It was clear that it wouldn’t be a game like the one against Chelsea, where it’s mostly about playing football.
“It was clear that it would be a lot about fighting, lots of long balls. Arsenal then naturally made every ball dangerous.”
When asked if Arsenal have been the toughest team Bayern have faced so far, the German also went on to add: “No, I don’t think so! PSG was our most difficult opponent… Arsenal is completely different. They rely a lot on set pieces. Against Paris, it was more of a football match.”
Ironically, Arsenal’s next game is against Chelsea, and that could also be a physical encounter. The middle of the pitch could see a real battle between Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice, for example.
Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty ImagesChelsea have also relied on set pieces this season
Kimmich has tried to call Arsenal set-piece merchants in the kindest way possible. It is quite funny, but Chelsea have also relied on dead-ball situations in the current campaign.
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- Dario Essugo (thigh)
- Cole Palmer (groin/foot)
- Romeo Lavia (thigh)
As per WhoScored, eight of their goals in the Premier League have come from set pieces, while they have also scored one penalty. That is only two fewer than Arsenal.
Sunday’s London derby is going to be tight. It could come down to a dead-ball situation, though both sides definitely have enough quality to win the game from open play.
Estevao Willian’s goal against Barcelona on Tuesday was brilliant, and Chelsea supporters will now be hoping that he can replicate it when Arsenal make the trip to Stamford Bridge. As for the Gunners, Bukayo Saka could easily end up being the match-winner for his side.