John Terry Claims Arsenal Star Struggles Against Chelsea Defender

John Terry believes Marc Cucurella aggression unsettles Bukayo Saka ahead of the heated Chelsea vs Arsenal London derby battle.

Chelsea legend John Terry has sparked debate by suggesting Bukayo Saka dislikes facing Marc Cucurella in the derby battle. Terry said Cucurella’s aggression consistently disrupts Saka’s rhythm, making the Arsenal star uncomfortable in their matchups.

Speaking ahead of the London derby at Stamford Bridge as reported by Metro, Terry insisted that Cucurella’s fearless, physical style gives Chelsea a potential advantage. He believes the one-on-one clash on Arsenal’s right flank could shape the entire outcome of the match.

Buy Arsenal's 2025–26 Home Kit through the ArsenalTalks Shop

Click this link to buy the new 2025–26 Arsenal home kit through our ArsenalTalks Shop.

Arsenal enter the fixture in strong form, riding a nine-game unbeaten Premier League run. Mikel Arteta’s side sit six points clear of Chelsea and remain ahead of Manchester City, reinforcing their title credentials. Their consistency and defensive strength have turned them into genuine contenders for their first league crown since 2004.

Chelsea, however, continue to climb the table. Cucurella has earned praise for several standout defensive performances, including his impressive display against Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal earlier in the season. The Blues approach the derby confident and eager to close the gap on Arsenal.

Why the Saka vs Cucurella Matchup Matters

Bukayo Saka remains Arsenal’s most dangerous attacking star, capable of unlocking defences with speed, creativity, and directness. Terry claims Cucurella’s aggressive style disrupts Saka’s flow, forcing the Arsenal winger into uncomfortable situations during their duels.

Cucurella’s willingness to engage physically, press high, and battle for every ball could neutralise Saka’s threat if the pattern repeats. Terry described the Spaniard as a defender who “brings energy” and thrives in one-on-one moments, suggesting Chelsea may view this duel as a tactical advantage.

Mikel Arteta may adjust his structure to help Saka counter Cucurella’s aggression. That could include rotating Saka’s position, increasing overlapping support from the full-back, or using quick interchanges to pull Cucurella out of shape.

Chelsea, armed with the belief that Cucurella unsettles Saka, could channel Arsenal’s attacks toward that flank. This would give them a chance to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm early while freeing space on the opposite side for counter-attacks.

The Broader Impact on a High-Stakes Derby

Beyond the individual duel, midfield control will remain critical. Still, Terry’s comments highlight how much weight can hinge on a single matchup when two title-chasing rivals collide. With Arsenal pushing for silverware and Chelsea eager to return to elite contention, the Saka-Cucurella battle could carry major implications.

John Terry’s claim adds intensity to a London derby already loaded with pressure. His belief that Saka struggles against Cucurella spotlights one of the match’s most important subplots. Whether Saka overcomes the challenge or Cucurella frustrates him again may influence not just the derby, but the direction of the title race itself.

Want more Arsenal updates? Visit our homepage.