Craig Burley believes Chelsea did decent against Liverpool in normal time at Wembley. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Oleksandr Zinchenko has subtly advised Mykhaylo Mudryk not to score against Arsenal when Chelsea hosts the Gunners in the Premier League this Saturday at lunchtime.
The Blues will host Arsenal as the Blues hope to slow down their pursuit of the Premier League title. Mikel Arteta’s side finally defeated Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side before the October international break and will be high on confidence.
Mudryk returned to club football brimming with confidence as he opened his goalscoring account for the national team in their 3-1 win over Malta. He also scored his first goal for Chelsea before the break and will certainly be buzzing.
Mudryk’s recent upsurge in form certainly guarantees him a starting spot against the Gunners, but it will be all up to Mauricio Pochettino, as the Argentine manager will hope to dent Arsenal’s title hope. Given his Tottenham Hotspur allegiance in the past, one can argue that the Gunners aren’t his favourite side.
The Ukrainian forward was imperious throughout the game and will be expecting to start against Arsenal, where he will face his national teammate Zinchenko. The former Manchester City had jokingly warned Mudryk before the big London derby, (h/t Mirror) and told Ukraine’s media channel after the Euro 2024 qualifier:
“I told him, ‘If you do or attempt to do that on Saturday, I’ll rip your ##### off. But the most important thing for us was to take three points. I am very happy for him and for the national team. Mykhaylo’s goal was important because he calmed down the game a little.”
These light-hearted jokes are shared among the players. Putting friendship to the side if Mudryk starts off the game, he will be totally committed to the important match. He has picked up his form at the proper time, as he plans to disprove those who have questioned him ever since his big move to Stamford Bridge.
Since Zinchenko plays left-back, he won’t be playing directly against his fellow countryman. But one could see the duo face off, especially on a counter or if Mudryk switches flanks.
What could be a greater accomplishment than scoring the game-winning goal against the team that wanted you, especially because Arsenal were also interested in signing him? Wiping the smirk off Zinchenko’s face will only make it sweeter.
Jadon Sancho has hit the ground running in his season-long loan at Chelsea, with the Blues eyeing a permanent deal…
Chelsea appear to be rediscovering their form under Enzo Maresca, aiming for a top-four finish as they currently sit third…
In their bid to further bolster their defense, Chelsea are aiming to make a big move for the star right-back…
Christopher Nkunku is keen to leave Chelsea in January over lack of game time in the Premier League There has…
Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres is on the radar of Chelsea Chelsea are riding high in the Premier League, sitting…
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca eyeing defensive reinforcements in January Chelsea could well find themselves in the market to improve their…