The 2020/21 Premier League campaign is already in full swing as teams have completed almost a fifth of the season already.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Mikel Arteta of Arsenal battles for the ball with Frank Lampard of Chelsea during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on October 29, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Mikel Arteta of Arsenal battles for the ball with Frank Lampard of Chelsea during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on October 29, 2011. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

There were a number of storylines that fans would have been keeping their eyes on as we entered another year, with both Arsenal and Chelsea likely to be among them, as many of them may have been gambling on them at the best casinos.

Last season

The Gunners managed to turn things around last season under Mikel Arteta, lifting the FA Cup last season following his arrival after Unai Emery’s sacking at the midway point last year. Fans in north London will have been excited about what the Spaniard would be able to achieve in his first full campaign at the Emirates Stadium.

Chelsea were facing a different prospect under Frank Lampard, who entered his second campaign as the Blues’ manager. His first season in charge produced a mixed bag of moments, although many would have said it was largely successful as he managed to do plenty despite facing some rather challenging circumstances.

However, both men can only look forward now and will have to perform this season, with many placing pressure on both their shoulders. But, who is under more pressure at the moment? A case can be made for both individuals.

Mikel Arteta

In Arteta’s case and as mentioned, he appeared to start life in management rather well and appeared to be the ‘saviour’ many Gunners fans would have hoped for when he was first appointed.

Indeed, this season started off in the same fashion as the previous campaign had ended. Arsenal had managed to add the FA Community Shield to their collection as they beat Liverpool and they started their Premier League season rather strongly.

Some positive results and performances were recorded, however the Gunners have since slipped and plummeted down the league table. Of course, it is still extremely early days, but fans will want to see things improve when they play against teams that will feel they should be beating.

Defeats against Liverpool and Manchester City may not have damaged his stock whilst the win against Manchester United at Old Trafford would have been celebrated for as long as possible however the defeats to the likes of Leicester City and Aston Villa will have hurt.

Frank Lampard

Lampard might have pressure on his shoulders for different reasons, though. Chelsea started off with a rather mixed bag of form, however they have since rectified that and currently look as though they could challenge the likes of the current Premier League champions and Pep Guardiola’s side for the title, especially given the number of injuries the two sides have had to deal with already.

The pressure will come from the fact that the Blues spent over £220 million on players like Kai Haverz, Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell and Edouard Mendy. The powers-that-be will know things will not happen overnight, however, with the way the team have been performing recently, a piece of silverware from at least one tournament may be expected.

The Blues legend would have had a ‘free pass’ last season due to his links with the club, as well as the transfer ban and departure of Eden Hazard. Lampard certainly proved he could be the right man for the Stamford Bridge role as he still guided them to a fourth-place finish and an FA Cup final.

But, if the signings blow up in his face or he does not pick up a title, then he could face the famous axe that Roman Abramovich is not scared of wielding, despite his status with the club.

Overall, it’s easy to make a case for each of the individuals to be under more pressure. They’re both striving for different things at this moment in time, so it could be safe to say both of them are under a similar amount of pressure at the moment.