Chelsea have taken an unconventional approach to their preparations for this weekend’s Premier League showdown with Arsenal, with Xabi Alonso putting his players through training exercises using large rugby crash pads, Softfootball understands.
The Blues were pictured training with the pads at Cobham as Alonso looks to prepare his squad for the physical challenge they could face against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Valentin Barco and Pep Chavarría were among those spotted holding the rugby pads while their teammates repeatedly crashed into them during the session.
The unusual training method is understood to be part of Chelsea’s preparations for Arsenal’s renowned set-piece routines.
The Gunners were one of the Premier League’s most dangerous teams from dead-ball situations last season, scoring 22 goals from set-pieces. Their corner routines have frequently involved multiple players attacking the goalkeeper’s area with aggressive runs and physical movement.
Arsenal’s ability to create chaos around the goalkeeper has made their corners particularly difficult to defend, with the Gunners often using their physical presence to attack the ball and create opportunities from close range.
Alonso therefore appears keen to ensure that his Chelsea players are prepared for the potential onslaught when the two London rivals meet this weekend.
Chelsea may have an advantage of their own when it comes to dealing with Arsenal’s physical approach. The Blues currently possess the joint-tallest squad in the Premier League alongside Leeds United, meaning Alonso has plenty of height available to counter Arsenal’s aerial threat.
Chelsea have also made an impressive start to the new Premier League campaign. The Blues have won both of their opening matches and have already scored seven goals, highlighting the attacking threat Alonso has introduced to the team.
However, their defensive record provides some cause for concern, with Chelsea conceding five goals across those two victories.
That could become particularly significant against an Arsenal side whose defence has been extremely difficult to breach. The Gunners have kept clean sheets in both of their opening Premier League fixtures and will be looking to maintain that record against Chelsea.
Arsenal could nevertheless have selection concerns ahead of the London showdown, with Bruno Guimarães and Cristian Mosquera both reportedly missing training this week following the victory over Aston Villa.
Speaking after Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Villa, Mikel Arteta explained the importance of having sufficient defensive depth, particularly with the club competing across four competitions.
“We knew that if we had an injury on the back line with Jurrien [Timber] out, we’d be in big trouble – so we had to do Ezri [Konsa deal],” Arteta said.
He also provided an update on Mosquera, explaining that the defender had been withdrawn because he felt he was approaching a potential physical issue.
“Mosquera could not continue, so we know the depth has to be really big when we’re fighting for four competitions in the manner that we play as well,” Arteta added.
“He’s fine, but he was feeling like he was about to have something, and that’s why we have the bench that we have, and that’s why we had to bring Ezri in.”
With Chelsea arriving at the Emirates in excellent attacking form and Arsenal boasting a perfect defensive record so far, the clash promises to be an early test of Alonso’s methods.
And judging by the rugby pads at Cobham, the Chelsea boss is taking Arsenal’s set-piece threat very seriously.
