Five Reasons Why Manchester City Should Stick With Manuel Pellegrini

Manuel Pellegrini's position as Manchester City manager hangs in the balance

Talks and rumors of Manchester City sacking Manuel Pellegrini are refusing to go away, and the Etihad outfit continues to be linked with the likes of Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, as the potential replacements for Pellegrini.

The Sky Blues have failed to replicate their form from last year, and Pellegrini hasn't been helped by his side relinquishing their hard-earned 2013/14 Barclays Premier League title to Chelsea, who were level with City only on New Year's Day.

The Chilean also took the Cityzens into the UEFA Champions League R-16 for the second consecutive season, after two crucial victories against Bayern Munich and AS Roma in the final two group games. But Barcelona were just too good for them over two legs and, as it has turned out, Luis Enrique's men have eased their way into the Berlin finals rather easily.

Certain City fanatics have been put off by Pellegrini's faith in the 4-4-2 system that saw their side score a whopping 156 goals across all competitions in the league and cup double winning 13/14 season, but the same formation has not brought the best of the players this time around and yet, Pellegrini has largely remained inflexible with his tactics.

The 61-year old remains convinced he will not be sacked by the City hierarchy, and that he will comfortably see out his 3-year contract.

It has been clear from Pellegrini that the Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions placed on City by the UEFA, have proved to be a major stumbling block for them, as they were not able to properly reinforce their squad last summer while Chelsea and Arsenal brought in the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa and have been more 'competitive' than the Cityzens this season.

Only during the off-season will we know how City's hierarchy reacts to what has been an underwhelming season, and Pellegrini is sure to face a few tough questions from Khaldoon Al Mubarak, the chairman.

But here are five reasons why City simply need to stick with Pellegrini and not continue this aberration of sacking a manager every 2-3 seasons. Read on...

Constant changing of managers makes it difficult to attract top players

Pellegrini is probably not the box office manager like Jose Mourinho or Louis van Gaal, who can attract players purely due to their aura and respective winning formulas.

Neymar cited the constant changing of managers as the reason to not join a club like City

However, having said that, stability at a football club is something that any new player considers before moving to his new destination and it is the foremost reason why the City hierarchy needs to persevere with Pellegrini.

The Chilean, in his two years at the club, has already shown how good a man-manager he is, and that aspect of his management will be critical to City attracting the likes of Paul Pogba, Kevin de Bruyne and Roberto Firmino - who are their top transfer targets this summer - to the Etihad.

Talking of player transfers, Pellegrini must surely be mindful of a few players who he would want to add to his squad, and sacking him will not bode well for City's transfer strategy this summer.

A new manager coming in will probably not guarantee instant success

City, when they contemplate parting ways with Pellegrini, must be absolutely sure that the new manager coming in will not, in anyway, disrupt the good work that has been done by the former Malaga manager.

Pellegrini helped City win back their Premier League title from Manchester United in his first season in-charge of the club, but the question is how many managers can guarantee you such success immediately after taking over.

LVG is a perfect example for City to not be hasty in changing managers

Van Gaal is a fine example of why City should be cautious in their decision to change the current manager. The United boss has struggled to come to terms with the Premiership and invited derision for his obsession with tactics, philosophy and what not...

Mourinho, likewise, was not successful on his return to Stamford Bridge last season, when they struggled against the likes of West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Sunderland - clubs that nullified the tactical genius in the Portuguese manager, by way of winning or drawing their respective games against the West Londoners.

Therefore, while a new manager 'could' conjure up something extraordinary when appointed as replacement for Pellegrini, there is no guarantee that the new candidate will guarantee City instant success, which the Chilean was capable of.

Pellegrini has remained defiant and must be raring to go next season

This has no doubt been a sub-standard season for City in recent history, as they, in addition to relinquishing their Barclays Premier League title, failed to progress in the Capital One and FA Cup competitions in which they were ousted by Newcastle United and Middlesbrough, at their Etihad fortress, respectively.

The way City lost both those games - by 2-0 margins - was appalling, and Pellegrini's men, for a brief period, found it difficult to win against the likes of Hull City, Burnley and Palace since that defeat to Aitor Karanka's side.

Pellegrini has handled things well during a difficult season for City

In such tough times, however, you got to laud the way Pellegrini handled things and how he defended himself, his team and everyone concerned with the club.

Also, when faced with tough questions from the English press, Pellegrini has remained pragmatic in handling them, thereby saving the reputation of the club.

Players like Edin Dzeko, Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri have had poor seasons, and it has contributed to City's downfall. The aforementioned trio was at the heart of City's league and cup double winning 13/14 season, but injuries and poor form have seen them make little contribution to City's season this time around.

Pellegrini, purely for his record as manager at City, deserves to reflect on himself and this season, and must surely be determined to get back in the title hunt come August 8th, when the new campaign gets underway.

The Chilean has given City an identity - as an attractive team

Pellegrini and the City hierarchy have constantly reiterated their hunger for success, which they want to achieve in the right manner and by playing an attractive brand of football, however.

City are one of the few clubs that play an attractive brand of football

It was the foremost reason for bringing the Chilean from Malaga last season, as his teams are known to play artistic, success guaranteeing, football.

Such a footballing philosophy has seen City earn themselves an identity as the highest scoring team in the English top flight for the second consecutive season and one of the very few football clubs in Europe that thrive on playing quality football.

What it shows is that Pellegrini continues to fulfill the criteria expected of him by Txiki Begiristain and company, and more than anything else, believes in his methods.

Such assertiveness is wonderful to see and City need to make sure that they retain his services beyond this season.

Cityzens' current 4-game winning streak is a reason to

City won a mere 44% of their league fixtures from February until the Manchester derby last month, and it increasingly looked like Pellegrini's men would not attain Champions League qualification for the first time in 5 seasons.

Pellegrini has engineered a turnaround in City's season over the last month

Pellegrini was perceived as a 'dead man walking' during those two months, which were the initiators to this sack talk or speculation.

However, such speculation has been sent into the trashcan as a result of City's current 4-game winning streak that has got them to within two points of achieving direct qualification into the Champions League group stages next season.

It is not for the first time that we have seen Pellegrini transform City's form after a run of win-less games, and it just shows the adeptness of the Chilean as the manager of a football club that is striving for success and trophies almost every year.

Final Thought

There may come a time when City need a managerial change in order to progress further as a football club.

Yes, this season could be viewed as a failure and one in which progress was not made.

However, the Chilean should be struck with on the basis of the success he brought to the club last season and also for the obvious pluses - a wonderful man-manager, has City playing an attractive brand of football, refrains from tarnishing the reputation of the club - you get with Pellegrini at the helm.

Barclays Premier League: How Liverpool Should Lineup Against Chelsea?

Chelsea wrapped up the league title with a win over Crystal Palace last weekend

Chelsea face Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in the penultimate heavyweight clash of the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season, on Sunday, having already wrapped up the title and facing a guard of honor from today's visitors as mark of respect for winning the championship.

Jose Mourinho's side has been clinical and consistent throughout this season, especially in domestic competitions, and thoroughly deserves its imperious league title victory.

The Reds, on the other hand, have been searching for consistency throughout the season but, barring an impressive three-month period since the beginning of this calendar year, much of their campaign has been in shambles.

With Manchester United defeating Crystal Palace last night, tonight's visitors have to win their remaining three games and hope Louis van Gaal's men fail to grab even two points from their remaining two games, if Brendan Rodgers' side is to make it to next season's UEFA Champions League.

They first have to mastermind a victory over Mourinho's men, whose record over the last two seasons in these heavyweight clashes is well-documented.

It may not be impossible for the Merseysiders to overcome a resolute Chelsea side, but how does Rodgers go about getting the task done?

Read on... as we look at the prospective Liverpool lineup and the system they should play in against the Blues.

Team news - Liverpool

Mario Balotelli could return to action after recovering from a foot injury that he suffered during his side's 0-1 defeat to Hull City a fortnight back.

Mamadou Sakho, the French central defender, picked up a hamstring injury during Liverpool's 6th round FA Cup replay against Blackburn Rovers in April, and will not be available for tonight's game.

Daniel Sturridge underwent a hip surgery in America on Tuesday, and is ruled out for the rest of the season.

Liverpool do not have any suspensions and Rodgers can pick a really strong side to face the Londoners later today.

Formation

The Liverpool manager has experimented with many a formation this season: it began with the 4-1-2-1-2 or the 4-4-2 diamond system that proved so successful for the Merseysiders last campaign; once his side started conceding a lot of cheap goals earlier this season, he switched to a back three and played a 3-4-2-1 or the 5-2-2-1 system, which saw last season's runners-up turnaround their league form since the beginning of 2015; after successive league defeats to United and Arsenal not-so-long ago, Rodgers has gone back to playing the archetype 4-3-3, with Steven Gerrard playing the pivot or deep-lying play-maker role, ahead of the 4-man backline.

Against Chelsea, he has to get his playing system right, and I don't think any of the aforementioned systems has brought the best of the players they have at their disposal.

Gerrard doesn't have the defensive nous or speed to track back while playing in that No.4 position. Therefore, in a 4-3-3 or 4-1-2-1-2, unless some other player can play that defensive midfielder's role to perfection, I would abandon it from my thought process, at least for today.

The 5-2-2-1 system needs players - especially wingbacks - with great positional intelligence and plethora of energy levels, to shuttle up-and-down the flank all day long; I am afraid Liverpool do not have specialist wingbacks who could make this system work.

Also, against the likes of Eden Hazard and Willian, you wouldn't want to leave even small pockets of space in wider positions, for they are good dribblers and can exploit the slowness of the visitor's wingbacks, which will most likely be two amongst the trio of Glen Johnson, Emre Can and Alberto Moreno.

The 4-2-3-1 system is simple and will give Liverpool the defensive solidity they need in order to enhance their chances of winning tonight. But, again, Rodgers would be better off playing Gerrard in a higher position, closer to Thibaut Courtois's goal.

Lineup

Rodgers has yet to defeat Mourinho as a manager

Last season too, Liverpool conceded a lot of goals (50), but in Luis Suarez and Sturridge, they had two lethal strikers who tore Premier League defenses apart.

This season, the Reds have managed to score a mere 49 goals, but conceded (38) close to 80% of what they have scored, which is the reason why they have not challenged United and Arsenal for a top four league finish.

Simon Mignolet has turned around his wretched form from earlier in the season, and will no doubt start in goal for the visitors.

Johnson has been doing well lately at left-back, winning 9 of his 14 attempted tackles and 12 of 17 aerial duels in his last four consecutive starts for Liverpool. If I was Rodgers, I would shift him onto the right fullback position, where he will be going face-to-face with Hazard.

At left-back, in place of Johnson, I would place the faith on Moreno, who has gone out of the reckoning after a couple of listless defensive displays against United and Arsenal, when his Spanish compatriots - Juan Mata and Hector Bellerin - made a mockery of his defensive sense and positioning.

However, I would bring him back on for the simple reason that he does have speed on his side, and can match Willian's, who is expected to play on the right flank for the hosts. Also, having had time to reflect on his shambolic displays, Moreno could return a rejuvenated figure and add solidity to Liverpool's backline.

At the heart of that rearguard, Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren have started 3 of their side's last four games, managing to keep just 1 cleansheet in that period. Going into a game of this magnitude, I wouldn't want to be fiddling with my defensive personnel, and Skrtel and Lovren should retain their places.

Coming to the engine room, as aforementioned, I would like to see Gerrard not be played at No.4, but further forward. Also, Rodgers needs to keep things simple and opt for a double pivot that Liverpool need, to counter Chelsea's threat in counterattacks and cover for Johnson and Moreno, who like to venture forward from their respective right and left fullback positions.

Henderson's performance could well decide the way this game pans out

Jordan Henderson has had a good season, playing in 34 league games and scoring 6 goals, which is the second-highest tally for a Liverpool player, behind Gerrard and Raheem Sterling's 7 goals.

Not only has he been getting the goals, but creating them, as well, registering 8 assists and creating 61 chances overall in 34 league appearances. In addition, he has shown good passing capabilities over the course of the campaign and has good pace to match his counterparts', making him a viable choice to play as one of my defensive midfielders for tonight's clash.

Henderson's partner has to be another hard-working midfield player, who is willing to do the donkey work and render comprehensive defensive support. Can, having been brought from Bayer Leverkusen as a midfielder, would be my preferred choice in front of the back four.

The German has won an impressive 57% of his attempted tackles in 24 league appearances and, like Henderson, has the necessary speed to track back or recover from mistakes, so Can would make for a good choice at central midfield.

Further forward, Gerrard would be my No.10, who can render creativity while also possessing that innate goal scoring ability. At 34, you want the Englishman to give you as much as he can in an attacking sense, which can only be possible when relieved of his defensive duties.

To the left of Gerrard, Philippe Coutinho is a certainty, given the kinds of goals he has scored this season and his ability to go past people when in full flow. He has been a tad inconsistent, though, but don't expect him to be warming the benches for today's game.

It is unclear as to who will play to the right of the veteran, as Balotelli may not be fit to start and Sterling might have to play the No.9 role, which he has played well at different stages during this campaign.

In that case, the ebullient Adam Lallana should occupy the right-attacking-midfielder's slot.

Final Thought

Such a lineup, in my view, should make Liverpool a tough side to break down. They will have hard-working midfielders shielding the back four, while the likes of Sterling, Coutinho and Lallana add a lot of flair and creativity to break down the meanest defense in the Premier League this season.

Mourinho, despite having won the title, wouldn't want to lose to a heavyweight Premier League rival, so expect the Portuguese to setup defensively and look for a mistake or two, that the visitors have the propensity to make.

It should be an intriguing fixture, but I just hope that Rodgers is sensible in his approach and doesn't tell his players to over-commit themselves, which will only play it into the hosts' hands.

Barclays Premier League: Five Things We Learned From Manchester City's Victory Over Tottenham Hotspur

Sergio Aguero delivered the killer punch against Spurs once again

Manchester City came out 1-0 winners over Tottenham Hotspur after a frenetic game at White Hart Lane yesterday, in a match that surely must have had every one of the viewers on the edge of their seat.

Manuel Pellegrini's men also broke the 'London curse' by way of yesterday's victory, which is their first in the capital this season, after failing to win at the home of any of the London clubs - Arsenal, West Ham United, Queens Park Rangers (QPR), Chelsea and Crystal Palace - in the Barclays Premier League earlier in the campaign.

Mauricio Pochettino's side played a very good game and probably deserved better, but City were a bit more clinical in their performance that saw them complete a league double over Spurs for the second consecutive season.

Sergio Aguero scored the game's only goal, for which David Silva provided the assist, and the visitors hung on to their advantage thereafter, despite having to make last-ditch tackles and blocks to stop the hosts from leveling the score.

Pellegrini, in his post-match interview, expressed satisfaction over the result, as well as his side's performance.

In hindsight, what did we learn from City's third consecutive league victory after the losses to Palace and Manchester United in April? Read on...

A number of City players impressed in a not-so-convincing performance

Pellegrini's side is definitely capable of producing better performances than they did yesterday.

However, having said that, it was not easy to get a stranglehold of the game at any stage during the course of 95 minutes because of the energy and drive shown by the home side that tried everything it possibly could have, to win the game.

All the City players had to work hard, and they did just that

But City were willing to fight hard and neutralize Spurs' threat by way of defensive discipline, on a day when they couldn't get their attacking game going.

And, from City's point-of-view, it was important that many of their players stood up to the task and produced the kind of performances they did: Fernandinho, Silva, Pablo Zabaleta, Joe Hart and Martin Demichelis impressed during the whole of the game, and played significant roles in their side's victory.

Silva, for instance, showed the hunger and desire to track back - something which he is not used to even when playing as the left-winger - making 10 tackles and winning 4 of them. There were occasions during the game when Silva's inch-perfect intervention stopped Spurs from posing a genuine threat to Hart's goal.

In an attacking sense, Silva played to profile: the Spaniard completed 94% of his passes, created 4 goal scoring chances, 1 of which resulted in an assist for Aguero's goal, and completed his solitary attempted take-on.

Likewise, Fernandinho impressed in a defensive, as well as an offensive, sense, making 4 interceptions, 2 clearances and 3 blocks, in addition to completing 80% of his passes, creating one chance and taking two decent attempts on goal.

Demichelis, you could say, had a mixed game, but there were moments when he was simply impressive and impenetrable: the Argentine made 6 interceptions and 6 clearances, most of which were in and around the City penalty area, and his solitary successful tackle on the day stopped Kane from having a terrific chance to score the equalizer in the 30th minute.

Hart, needless to say, was brilliant on the day, making five magnificent saves and stopping the likes of Paulinho, Lamela and Ryan Mason from scoring a goal past him.

Having been made the captain, Hart probably played the biggest role in his side's victory yesterday, just as he did against AS Roma in the UEFA Champions League group game that City went onto win at the Stadio Olimpico back in December.

It was an eccentric game from City's point-of-view, but if not for the contributions, either in a defensive or offensive sense, of the aforementioned personnel, the tale of the game might well have been different.

Aleksandar Kolarov had one of his best games in a City shirt

Kolarov was by far the best outfield player for City in their 1-0 victory over the North Londoners yesterday.

From the first minute to the last, the Serbian didn't put a foot wrong and was full of hunger and desire, as he impressed in a defensive sense and was lethal going forward, as well.

His very first contribution of the game bailed City out of trouble, as he was the one who tracked Nacer Chadli's run down Spurs' left-hand-side and blocked the Belgian's attempted cross that could well have seen the hosts take the lead in as early as the 2nd minute of the game.

City left-back's defensive contributions didn't end there, as he made 5 other interceptions, 2 clearances, won 1 of his 2 attempted tackles and 3 crucial blocks inside his side's box. 

We cannot reminisce the last time Kolarov produced a defensive display of that sort but, simply put, he was outstanding yesterday.

Going forward, the 29-year old, it has to be said, played to his reputation. 

His delivery from corner-kicks and open play were incisive, completing 4 of his 9 overall crosses, 2 of them resulting in goal scoring chances for his teammates. He also kept his two goal attempts on target, one of which was a 40-yard strike that bamboozled Hugo Lloris, purely because of the power and swerve Kolarov imparted on the ball. 

Therefore, it is safe to say that Kolarov had one of his best games in a City shirt. 

Yesterday's visitors had an attitude check

City have had their mentality and personality questioned during the last few seasons, and that observation on the Citizens was vindicated at White Hart Lane yesterday.

City's rearguard was very slow to get going on the evening, giving the ball away cheaply during the initial stages of the game and failing to get into a good defensive shape.

Eliaquim Mangala, in particular, was caught out of position on a couple of occasions and also failed to control a couple of perilous balls that were played into his feet; on another day, Kane would have punished City and the Frenchman for their lackluster start to the game.

The visitors also failed to deal with a couple of corners in the first few minutes of the game, and the likes of Dier had clear chances to find the back of Hart's net. 

The counterattacking maneuver that resulted in City taking the lead also came after they had failed to deal with a corner properly and were rather fortuitous to have Hart get hold of the bobbling ball.

City's problems in defending corners yesterday were not because of their smaller statures, but due to the lack of proper marking and concentration.

If there is one area, above everything else, City need to tighten up on, it has got to be with their mentality and the way they start marquee fixtures such as yesterday's. 

Tottenham's pace posed plenty of problems for City

The tactical setup of both sides was such that they found it difficult to play through the middle. Both teams lined up in the 4-2-3-1 system and sought to remain narrow in a bid to deny each other the space in the middle of the park. 

During the initial stages, with Tottenham, with all their energy, harrying and harassing City, the visitors were forced into playing long balls just to relieve the massive pressure they were under from the Spurs' frontline. 

City's rearguard had problems dealing with over-the-top balls the hosts played yesterday

The hosts too, with City's rearguard holding a very high line, were keen on playing long balls over the opponents' midfield and defense, and having the likes of Kane, Chadli and Lamela run in behind the City backline. 

That tactic worked very well for a major part of the first half and it was worrying signs for City who, with relatively slow movers in the likes of Zabaleta, Demichelis and Kolarov, just couldn't smother this aspect of the hosts' game plan. 

This has also been a conspicuous aspect of City's struggles in the Champions League, as they always have found it hard to cope with teams loaded with pacey personnel, who have the endeavor to make those runs into the channels. 

City, however, recovered from the mistakes they made in the earlier phases of yesterday's game, but they had to be a lot conservative in their approach and give every ounce of their energy to come away with all three points. 

City showed they can win without dominating possession 

This was a marquee feature of City's game last night and Hart, very rightly, in his post-match interview noted that most of City's opponents this season have played such a style of football and been successful more often than not. 

Over the course of 90 minutes, City had only 46% possession, which is miles off their standards, made fewer passes than the hosts and had fewer attempts on goal than Spurs. But when Andre Marriner blew the final whistle, City were a goal up and had three points in the bag. 

That is why there was satisfaction midst everyone concerned with the Citizens, who have simply been clueless at how City's opponents have managed to win games this season without seeing much of the ball. 

Pellegrini's side, though, probably need to add such a style to their repertoire more often next season and especially in Europe, where you are having to curb your natural style and deal with your opponents' threat from time to time during a fixture.

Final Thought

I have not given any particular recognition to City's Argentine ace, who scored the decisive goal in yesterday's game, but I felt that the contributions made by other players in the side were more significant than Aguero's. 

Yesterday's victory got City to 70 points from 35 games, and has taken them close to attaining direct qualification into next season's Champions League group stages. 

Pellegrini was willing to be a little defensive-minded yesterday

There is still plenty of work to be done by the 2013/14 English champions, who face Swansea City (away) and Southampton (home) to pull the curtains on this campaign that has not gone to plan for Pellegrini's side. 

As far as yesterday's game is concerned, though, it was a huge relief to see City win away from home after consecutively losing their last 5 games across all competitions. 

Has The 2014/15 Season Been A Successful One For Arsenal Football Club?

Hector Bellerin has been a revelation for Arsenal this season

Arsenal are enjoying a very good second half of the ongoing season, a period that has brought plenty of joy to their supporters and already given them major incentives going into the last month of the campaign.

The Gunners, with 5 more games to go in their league campaign, are in a 3-way battle - along with Manchester City and Manchester United - to finish 2nd in the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season.

They also have made it to the finals of the FA Cup and will be facing Aston Villa at the Wembley Stadium on the 30th of May, definitely starting as favorites to retain the crown they won last May.

With very good prospects ahead of them towards the end of this campaign, can we consider this season a 'success' or has it 'still' not been good enough? Read on...

After lifting the FA Community Shield to kick the season off in grandiose fashion, the North Londoners failed to make a good start to their league campaign and progress beyond the second round of the Capital One Cup.

Arsene Wenger faced a lot of tough questions about his ability to get his side competing with the big boys in the Premier League and also in Europe, where they were pitted with Borussia Dortmund, Galatasaray and Anderlecht in the group stage.

Wenger's wizards had accrued a mere 27 points after gameweek 17 in the Premier League, having been beaten by the likes of Swansea City and Stoke City in the first round of fixtures. However, they still managed to sit in 6th place on the table and keep themselves in touch with the then top four sides.

Also, in the UEFA Champions League, the North London's biggest club qualified for the knockout stages of the competition, getting an enviable R-16 draw that saw them pitted against AS Monaco.

A major reason for Arsenal's poor early season form was because of the injuries suffered by the most crucial players in the Arsenal squad: Mesut Ozil (knee ligament), Mikel Arteta (ankle), Jack Wilshere (ankle), Mathieu Debuchy (ankle sprain and dislocated shoulder), Aaron Ramsey (hamstring) and Olivier Giroud (broken leg), were all out of action for 2-3 months during the first half of the season, making it close to impossible for Wenger to even pick a 18-man matchday squad.

It was Alexis Sanchez's scintillating form before the beginning of 2015, that kept Arsenal in touch with the then top four teams in the league and saw them defeat Jurgen Klopp's Dortmund at the Emirates on matchday 5 of this season's Champions League.

The Chilean had scored 12 goals and registered 5 assists in the league before the aforementioned personnel returned to action from their respective injuries and took up the mantle from their new teammate, who has been instrumental to Arsenal's current standing on the league table.

Wenger's wizards have, however, turned their form around since the beginning of this calendar year that has seen them play a mesmerizing brand of football, lose just 3 games across all competitions and surge into the top four in the league standings.

The unearthing of Francis Coquelin, who has won 57% of his duels in 18 league appearances, as a midfield enforcer has been one of the major positives to come out of this season.

Santiago Cazorla has also been playing a starring role in Arsenal's midfield, scoring 7 goals and creating 67 goal scoring chances in 32 league appearances this season.

Let us also not forget the contribution of the Girouds, Ozils, and Ramseys since their respective returns to action.

The underestimated French striker's goal scoring form has been mighty pivotal to his side's current 9-game unbeaten run in the league, scoring 9 goals in 13 league appearances since the turn of the year.

Ozil, for his part, has made a good comeback from injury too, scoring 3 league goals and creating a whopping 33 chances since returning from his ankle injury.

Arsene Wenger masterminded a victory at the Etihad Stadium earlier this season

As a team, Arsenal also have won at the Etihad Stadium against City in the league and Old Trafford against the Red Devils in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup - something which had been a hoodoo for a very, very long time - prompting us into thinking that good things are on the arisen and some degree of progress has been made by way of those prestigious triumphs.

However, having said that, Wenger has yet to beat Jose Mourinho, who, with the 0-0 draw at the home of Arsenal last Sunday, has now extended his unbeaten run against the Frenchman to 13 games.

It was a perfect stage for the Gunners to prove their mettle and put down a marker, at least for next season, but they didn't manage it although they weren't poor on the day.

Coming to the continental assignments this season, Arsenal couldn't progress past the R-16 stage in the Champions League for the 5th year running, despite being handed a very favorable draw.

Failure to progress in the Champions League will have hurt Arsenal massively

Their defence came apart in the first leg against Leonardo Jardim's side that emphatically won 3-1 at the Emirates and made it an arduous task for the English club ahead of the second leg in Monaco.

That is definitely a cause for concern if you are Wenger and you knew it was a golden opportunity to shut the mouths of your detractors by progressing to the quarterfinals.

But Wenger and Arsenal came unstuck once again, and it maybe a difficult task to even progress into the knockout stages of the Champions League in the years to come, with UEFA making changes to the seeding system that will see Arsenal move into the second pot ahead of the group stage draw next season.

Final Thought

First and foremost, Arsenal ought to finish off this season on a good note, by hopefully finishing above 4th on the league table and holding onto their FA Cup.

Finishing above 4th on the league table is paramount to the Gunners, as it will give them something to rejoice during the off-season and definitely be an improvement from the previous seasons.

In addition, there have already been a handful of positives to come out of this season: Coquelin's consistent midfield displays, Hector Bellerin's spirited performances at right-back, Cazorla's renaissance and someone like Nacho Monreal overtaking Kieran Gibbs in the pecking order, have, in a way, made it a campaign to remember for everyone concerned with Arsenal.

On the flip side there are the obvious lows of failing to progress in the Champions League, defeat Chelsea in both the league games and mount a league title challenge that the Gunners have been craving for quite sometime now.

Overall, this season has definitely been progressive, but very less to deem it successful.

Barclays Premier League - Which Player Battles Will Decide Arsenal's Clash Against Chelsea?

Arsene Wenger shoved Jose Mourinho in the chest during Arsenal's visit of Chelsea last October

Chelsea, who are now just two wins away from lifting the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League trophy, travel to the Emirates on Sunday, to take on London derby rivals Arsenal in gameweek 34 of the ongoing Premier League season.

The West Londoners' league form has been consistent all season, and Jose Mourinho's side deserves to be leading the chasing pack by 10 points with 5 more games, after this one, still to ensue.

Arsenal, on the other hand, will be delighted with their own position (2nd) on the league table, which has been achieved on the back of scintillating form since the beginning of this calendar year. The North Londoners have lost just 2 of their 13 league games in 2015, including their current 8-game winning run in the Premier League.

This fixture, over the last decade and more, has continually grabbed the headlines for Mourinho's rivalry with Arsene Wenger, who has never managed to beat his Portuguese adversary in 12 previous meetings between this duo.

Although you expect Mourinho-Wenger rivalry to continue making the headlines prior to kickoff, it will be the player battles on the pitch that will decide which of these two sides comes out victorious when the final whistle is blown.

Read on... to get an understanding of how the sides could lineup tomorrow, and which players hold the key to their respective teams.

Possible lineups

Arsenal (4-1-4-1): David Ospina (GK); Hector Bellerin, Per Mertesacker (C), Laurent Koscielny, Kieran Gibbs; Francis Coquelin; Santiago Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez; Olivier Giroud.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Thibaut Courtois (GK); Branislav Ivanovic, Gary Cahill, John Terry, Cesar Azpilicueta; Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas; Ramires, Oscar, Eden Hazard; Didier Drogba.

Hazard vs Bellerin

Hazard has by far been the best player in the Premier League this season, and few could argue with that assertion. He has scored goals, made assists and delivered in some of the big games during the campaign, making him a strong candidate to win the PFA player of the year this season.

Eden Hazard's performance could have a huge say in this Premier League clash

Against Arsenal tomorrow, the fleet-footed Belgian is expected to start as the left-winger which will see him face off against Bellerin, the 20-year old Arsenal right-back.

In terms of pace, there is not much to choose between these two diminutive personnel. In terms of experience and quality, however, Hazard is head and shoulders above the Spaniard, who has broken into the Gunners' senior squad only this season.

Hazard, with his incisive running and ability to beat his man in 1v1 situations, will fancy his chances against the inexperienced Bellerin.

It will be intriguing to see how Bellerin handles Hazard, as he will need to stand up and not lunge into tackles, which will only play it into the 24-year old Belgian's hands.

Also, with his propensity to bomb forward to support Arsenal's attacks, Hazard could run into plenty of space left behind by Bellerin and pull someone like Mertesacker out wide, making space for the likes of Oscar through the middle.

Ozil vs Matic

In the middle of midfield, Ozil's tussle with Matic will be crucial in the way that this game takes shape.

Matic, with each passing game, is getting better and better, and playing that No.4 role to perfection. He takes up good positions ahead of the Chelsea backline, and does most of his work when opposition have the ball.

Against Arsenal, he should, in all probability, go up against Ozil, who is expected to operate in that advanced midfield role, not exactly the No.10, for the home side.

The German playmaker has been in good form of late, scoring 1 goal and creating 20 goal scoring chances over his last 5 league outings. His performance against Liverpool was particularly impressive, with which he proved that he is no slouch when it comes to these big games.

However, having said that, he is yet to come good against Chelsea, in particular, and Sunday's clash presents him with the ideal opportunity to do just that.

Matic, though, will not make things easier for Ozil, as he is more powerful than the former Real Madrid man and is a good reader of the game. The Serbian may not be in the best moment as Ozil, but he will hope to get his act together once referee blows his whistle to get things underway.

Ivanovic vs Sanchez

Similar to Hazard's duel with Bellerin on the Gunners' right-hand-side, Sanchez's tussle with Ivanovic on Chelsea's right will be an interesting one to watch.

Alexis Sanchez has been the standout player the Gunners this season

The Chilean has made a seamless transition from the La Liga to the Premier League, scoring 14 goals and registering 8 assists in his first season in the English top flight.

When Arsenal were struggling for results during the early stages of this campaign, it was Sanchez's form that kept them in the hunt for a top 4 finish.

The Chilean's form has dwindled since the beginning of this calendar year, when he has scored just 4 goals and created 14 chances in 11 league appearances. However, on Sunday, expect Sanchez to be on top his game.

The former Barcelona winger, though, will know that he will not have an easy ride against Ivanovic, who is up there amongst the best right-backs in the Premier League.

Unlike Hazard, Sanchez might not have a lot of space to operate in because of the defensive discipline Ivanovic exudes, but that is the task concerning the 26-year old.

Sanchez is quick across the turf and is forward-thinking more often than not, but Ivanovic, for his part, is good on the tackle and doesn't get dragged out of position easily. Sanchez will be crucial to Arsenal's chances of winning this game, and that is why his tussle with Ivanovic could be a game-deciding player battle.

Coquelin vs Oscar

Much of Arsenal's success during the second half of the season has to be attributed to the defensive solidity rendered by Coquelin, the North Londoners' midfield enforcer.

The Frenchman is in the same mould as Matic, and he brings plenty of energy to his side's engine room. In 17 league appearances this season, Coquelin has won an impressive 58% of his duels, winning the ball in critical positions of the pitch and man-marking opposition players in his zone effectively.

Against Chelsea, Coquelin will have the task of nullifying Oscar's threat. The Brazilian is Mourinho's main creative man, and this Coquelin-Oscar tussle will be an interesting player battle to witness, as well.

Oscar does like to play from a deeper position, and covers good ground during his time in the middle. Coquelin, therefore, needs to be very meticulous about Oscar's movement and not let him get out of his sight.

Final Thought

Though there will be other player battles - Giroud vs Terry and Drogba vs Mertesacker, for instance - that could also hold the key to this London derby, the aforementioned quartet of player battles will carry more significance.

Hazard, given his form and talent, will be the man to watch out for as far as Arsenal are concerned, and the Belgian's performance could have a huge bearing on how this mouthwatering Premier League encounter pans out.