With Arsenal and Chelsea facing off on Sunday one name is dominating the pre-match talk – Romelu Lukaku.
What’s the story?
The Belgium international completed his club-record move back to west London for £97.5 million but not in time to feature in Chelsea’s opening game of the season against Crystal Palace.
However, Lukaku trained with his new teammates for the first time on Tuesday and is fit for the game this weekend.
Arsenal will look to continue their good recent record against their rivals. Mikel Arteta has won his past three games against Chelsea, two in the Premier League and one in the FA Cup.
And Lukaku has a far from great record against the Gunners. In 17 games across all competitions, the 28-year-old has scored just three times, winning five games.
Arsenal have nothing to fear if Lukaku starts Chelsea clash
Lukaku starting for Chelsea in Sunday’s clash might even be the boost Mikel Arteta needs.
The bulky centre-forward is nowhere near as pacy as Timo Werner and Kai Havertz. There will be less of a threat in behind the Gunners.
Instead, Lukaku’s huge frame makes him a player Thomas Tuchel’s men are likely to play off.
At Inter Milan he showed an increased desire to drop deep and create.
And with Arsenal likely to match Chelsea’s back three, there will be less space to make runs through the centre of the pitch.
However, the biggest light of hope for Arsenal is Lukaku’s personal record in matches versus the N5 outfit.
Scoring just three times in 17 games is a woeful return for a top-class striker.
If Chelsea are to win this weekend, history shows it won’t come from their new signing.
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