Frank Lampard has warned Chelsea that they will not get an easy ride in today’s big final, with Arsenal having many strengths in their team.
The former CFC star is his club’s all-time top goalscorer, despite playing in central midfield for his entire career, and has revealed how intense cup finals were for him as a player.
“Chelsea will be favourites because of what they’ve done this season, but I don’t think you can take too much into account going into a final because they can go against the norm,” Lampard said.
“It’s about performance on the day, they can be very tense affairs.
“I didn’t particularly enjoy my finals in terms of the playing moments because you’re so desperate to win them and not lose.
“I think it could be a tight game; Chelsea are favourites on paper and rightly so, but they’ll have to perform on the day to overcome an Arsenal side who have strength in their team.”
This will be Arsenal’s last chance of silverware this season, having fizzled out of the Premier League title race, and will likely be under more pressure than our rivals, but form generally goes out the window in these sorts of matches.
We will both be confident after a number of wins for both in recent months, but we do have some injury problems, predominantly in defence, and will have to tinker our side going into the big game, which will likely give our rivals further advantage today.
Will Arsenal be under more pressure than Chelsea today? Will our rivals handle the pressure better than ours?
Pat J
Sometimes it’s good to be an underdog. Hopefully Chelsea underestimates Arsenal and I hope their players are in holiday mood.
Arsenal plays different 3-4-2-1 as opposed to Chelsea’s tactic. This can surprise Chelsea, if they think Arsenal will play the same tactic as theirs.
The key players would be the wingbacks. I hope today they are smart enough to not run and release crosses like headless chickens. I hope they can trick the opponent’s defenders and cut inside to provide better crosses or shoot.
And hopefully Sanchez and Ozil can dictate the tempo upfront. I am sure Sanchez can release himself from Matic’s and Kante’s heavy pressure. I hope Ozil can handle the pressure as well.
The problem is Arsenal never thrives well as an underdog.
OT ,Wenger offored a two year deal by the Board regardless of FA cup final results.
What’s new? .. Piers Morgan told us that at the end of last season.
Once we missed out of top four our season is damaged beyond repair it’s irredeemable. We will just sit. back as fans and see whether our players and manager have the winning mentality that is always in question.Its up to you wenger and your lover boys. win or lose change is a must
I think Ozil handled the pressure in the World Cup final. The problem with Arsenal against the top sides is tthat when we are pressed deep we are contained and battle to play out from the back. This tends to isolate Ozil and Sanchez.
I just want us to come out an play….even if we don’t win..a little bit of passion won’t hurt…unlike our performance at d WHL
Whatever happens I will sit back and watch.