What beating Chelsea would mean for Arsenal

Tomorrow’s fast approaching Community Shield clash between Arsenal and Chelsea seems to have a bit more added importance than perhaps is usually the case. The annual curtain raiser, for all its honour and tradition, is often dismissed by some as a glorified friendly, but going into tomorrow’s match there is a sense that much more than pride is on the line.

The match comes before a campaign filled with all sorts of expectations, especially for Arsenal, with the addition of Petr Cech enough for some to tip the club to challenge for the title. Add that to the fact that Cech came from no other than Arsenal’s opponent Chelsea, and another layer of incentive is added.

There is of course the ever volatile relationship between Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger as well, with the two exchanging even more barbs in the days leading up to the match, and things are threaten to boil over once more.

Chelsea are the defending Premier League champions, Arsenal are one the challengers as well as the FA Cup holders. If they are to make the next step, they have to go through Chelsea, and this could be a start.

Last but not least, Wenger will attempt once more to do something he has never done; win a match against a side managed by Jose Mourinho. In fact, Arsenal have failed to win against Chelsea since the 5-3 triumph at Stamford Bridge in 2011.

The sub plots are plenty in this one, and so long as these two men are managing them, a match between Arsenal and Chelsea will never be just a friendly.

Both managers as well as a few players from either club have publicly announced that they will be taking the match seriously. Gary Cahill and Theo Walcott have both asserted that the match is a perfect way to lay down a marker ahead of next weekend’s opening day, while Wenger said the match is “no friendly.”

Beating Chelsea would mean a signal of intent and a boost in confidence ahead of the upcoming campaign. A win could provide the catalyst for a strong run in the opening few months of season, something Arsenal failed to do last season despite beating City comfortably in the shield.

There is real sense of commitment and focus this time around though, with Arsenal in undeniable form this summer. A perfect record and a 14-1 goal differential means Arsenal mean business, and defeating Chelsea for the first time in four years could and should be just the boost the lads need to kick on.

The Premier League may not start until next weekend, but for Arsenal it starts tomorrow. COYG!