Just one game has seen a big mood swing surrounding the new managers at Chelsea and Arsenal, with Stamford Bridge now awash with optimism as the Gunners visit on Saturday evening.
The Emirates was full of hope as Unai Emery stepped into Arsene Wenger’s shoes last week, but defeat to Manchester City already had the critics out after the game.
It’s tough to judge a side after a game against the Premier League champions and the Gunners and their fan TV channels will have a much better idea of where they stand after a visit to west London.
Mauricio Sarri seemed to have a bigger set of issues to deal with as he replaced Antonio Conte at the largest rollercoaster club in the Premier League, but a win at Huddersfield somehow seems to have calmed the waters.
Chelsea are 4/5 favourites to win the match with Arsenal 16/5 outsiders after contrasting opening day fortunes - the draw comes in at 15/4.
As the two London sides go head-to-head on Saturday, we take a look at how they measure up and what exactly their strengths and weaknesses are for the season.
Chelsea v Arsenal specials
- To win the Premier League: Chelsea 14/1 Arsenal 40/1
- Top four finish: Chelsea 8/13 Arsenal 2/1
- Top London club: Chelsea 6/5 Arsenal 7/2
Does Emery know how he wants Gunners to play?
Emery has a lofty reputation but fans weren’t happy with the Spaniard after a 2-0 loss to City – perhaps a tough assessment but it was the manner of the defeat, especially the first half performance, which provoked the negative reactions.
The Gunners gave City far too much time and space and there was a hint of confusion about how exactly they were meant to try and press their opponents.
Then there was the playing out from the back, which badly exposed an uncomfortable-looking Petr Cech, who has never been the best with the ball at his feet despite being one of the great goalkeepers in the league.
Premier League head-to-head
Bernd Leno must surely be the keeper of the future even though Cech will start against former club Chelsea on Saturday.
The defence hardly looked any better than under Wenger, while Granit Xhaka is another who bore the brunt of the frustration as he was outplayed by youngster Matteo Guendouzi – Uruguayan Lucas Torreira is surely the route forward in the middle of the park.
Then there’s the Aaron Ramsey contract situation to deal with. That’s a huge decision for Emery to show how he’s going to run the club going forward.
Sarri’s stars staying puts new gloss on season
A comfortable win at toothless Huddersfield should not be provoking such a response, but Chelsea had endured such a stinking summer that any win was a relief to a team that had been swamped with talk of their best players leaving.
In the end, only Thibaut Courtois left and, although others could still follow until the end of the month, the initial situation looks a good one as the club spent £70m on the keeper’s replacement.
Chelsea v Arsenal trophies
- FA Cup: Chelsea 13/1, Arsenal 8/1
- Europa League: Chelsea 7/1, Arsenal 9/1
After a chastening Community Shield loss to City, Chelsea looked much better with Jorginho solid in midfield and Ross Barkley surprisingly effective - he could be like a new player if he can rediscover his Everton form.
Eden Hazard remains the key and he got a late run-out at Huddersfield as he looks set to stay, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek made an appearance as he may finally get his chance to shine at Chelsea.
Sarri also has Mateo Kovacic waiting in the wings.
Verdict
Emery has at least as good attacking options as Sarri with Aubameyang, Lacazette, Mkhitaryan and Ozil in the team, he just needs to find the balance behind them to give them the platform to go and score goals.
Sarri all of a sudden looks settled in his job but winning at Huddersfield is no marker for how this Chelsea side will do this season – but the signs are at least positive and strangely it’s not Emery who faces the most pressure ahead of the game.
