‘The fly in the ointment’ — Michael Owen warns Arteta ahead of Alonso & Chelsea clash

The Premier League title race is already heating up, and we are tracking toward an absolute blockbuster at the Emirates this Sunday. 

Arsenal vs Chelsea is always a massive fixture, but this time around, the tactical battle between Mikel Arteta and new Blues boss Xabi Alonso has the entire football world talking. 

Both London heavyweights are heading into the derby with a flawless six points from their opening two matches. 

However, their paths couldn't be more different. While Arteta’s reigning champions have been a defensive fortress, scoring four goals and conceding zero, Alonso’s chaotic, but entertaining Chelsea revolution has seen them score a league-high number of goals while shockingly leaking five at the back.

Speaking ahead of the decisive clash, Liverpool icon Owen admitted he is completely mesmerised by Chelsea's new-look front line under Alonso. 

The Premier League pundit singled out the explosive form of Palmer, Pedro, and Rogers, who have taken the league by storm with their free-flowing attacking chemistry. 

"Sunday should be a fascinating game," Owen stated. "Chelsea's front three looks as good as anything in the Premier League at the moment; Cole Palmer has got the bit between his teeth. They're creating so many chances." 

The praise comes as no surprise given Pedro's historical performance in their recent 4-3 thriller against Brighton, alongside Palmer's elite creative freedom in the pocket.

However, Owen was quick to drop a blunt reality check regarding Chelsea’s defensive structural issues, warning that the Blues will get absolutely picked apart if they bring their sloppy habits to North London. 

"You can't give away the amount they have been doing at Arsenal," Owen warned, pinpointing the defensive vulnerabilities that saw them drop serious possession to Brighton. 

Despite those defensive concerns, the former England striker believes that Alonso has the tactical firepower to completely disrupt the status quo this season. 

"They could be the fly in the ointment that challenges Arsenal this season," Owen added, setting the stage for an explosive tactical war this weekend.