Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has provided insight into his tactical approach ahead of the Premier League showdown against Arsenal, emphasising the importance of controlling the game while taking advantage of spaces left by the Gunners’ aggressive pressing.

Maresca dismissed the idea of sitting back and absorbing pressure, explaining how such an approach would overwork Chelsea’s attackers:

He said: “If we plan the game sitting back and waiting, for sure our strikers and wingers will do 20 sprints of 60/70 metres, but when you play your game in the opposite side, there is no space to do that sprint.”

Instead, the Italian tactician is determined to dominate possession and dictate the tempo of the match, while also acknowledging Arsenal’s pressing intensity:

“So our plan is to control the game but they will try to press high, be aggressive, and we will probably have [opportunities].”

With Chelsea aiming for a statement performance, Maresca’s game plan suggests the Blues will look to dictate play rather than react to Arsenal’s approach.