Three reasons why Mykhailo Mudryk will have his breakout Chelsea performance against Arsenal

Mykhailo Mudryk is yet to show his true potential in Chelsea colors after completing an £88 million move to Stamford Bridge in January

Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk still has a lot to prove at Stamford Bridge.
Yet there is a feeling that this weekend’s Premier League match against Arsenal could be the moment for him to finally show why he cost the Blues £88m.

The Ukraine international scored his first goal for Chelsea in a 2-0 win against Fulham before the international break.
Mudryk then scored his first international goal, scoring a stunning solo goal in a 3-1 win against Malta, taking Ukraine one step closer to qualifying for next year’s European Championships.

Many supporters are frustrated by Mudryk’s lack of end product since he arrived in West London earlier this year, but there is clearly a talented player waiting to break through. Mauricio Pochettino has become the latest manager tasked with unleashing Mudryk’s potential at Chelsea and there are signs the Argentine is enjoying success so far this season, but the game against Arsenal presents the Ukraine international’s best chance to flourish and to perform.

Mudryk will face his Ukrainian teammate, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and a familiar face could help him exploit the Arsenal star’s weaknesses on Saturday.

Zinchenko has warned Mudryk against repeating his goal against Malta in the Premier League match against the Gunners this weekend, which could encourage the 22-year-old winger to rely more on his skills and become a difference-maker for the Blues.

The main reason why Mudryk needs to play well is to silence the criticism that comes his way, especially from Arsenal fans. The Ukraine international was close to completing a move to the Emirates Stadium in January before Chelsea hijacked the deal and signed the 22-year-old.
Mudryk had been flirting with a move to north London for weeks before joining Chelsea and his slow start at Stamford Bridge has only fueled the criticism coming from Arsenal fans.
The Blues winger will be under immense pressure to perform against the Gunners on Saturday – if he starts – with away fans expected to try to hassle him throughout the match.

Zinchenko’s comments, the potential of facing an international teammate and the huge wave of criticism against Mudryk from Arsenal fans should be all the fuel he needs to prove everyone wrong and finally announce himself as a Chelsea star.