The atmosphere at the Emirates was celebratory even before a ball was kicked. It’s great being an Arsenal fan just now, enjoying our success whilst knowing how much it grates on the many from other clubs and the media. But Chelsea are not the shambolic team of recent seasons, they have a quality manager now, a deep thinker and they are becoming a dangerous contender to us, the Champions. Even though they have a long way to go you can already see the difference in them both tactically and technically and by the New Year we’ll need to make sure there’s a buffer between them and us.
The player Mikel Arteta really wanted during the recent transfer window, Morgan Rodgers, struck within 2 minutes of the start. An innocuous long ball into the box wasn’t dealt with effectively and when the loose ball ran out to Rodgers he didn’t take a touch, he took the shot and it crept into the corner of our net as Raya desperately tried to reach it. Everybody looked stunned, not least the Chelsea players but these men of Arsenal aren’t champions for no reason and they came back at the West London usurpers with the energy and determination of said champions.
An Odegaard free kick was driven low and diagonally into the Pensioners box and Calafiori, who was outstanding, probably should have scored but he didn’t get a firm enough contact and Martinez scrambled it away. After 12 minutes a Rice free kick caused chaos in the Blues box and Calafiori stabbed home the equaliser – only it wasn’t. Konsa was harshly adjudged to be offside and it was scrubbed off.
Had Alonso spotted a weakness in our defence, I don’t know, but the Chelsea players as often as they could took long shots at the Arsenal goal. Was Raya thought to be vulnerable as was proved it seemed, at Anfield last season? Who knows, but both Cole Palmer, a player who looks as if he has an eating disorder, and Reece James had dangerously looking pot shots that Raya saved without too much comfort.
Havertz and Odegaard tried some over elaborate build up that came to nothing before Kai thankfully kept it simple for once and drove into the Chavs box. His low drive between a defenders legs saw Martinez dive actually like a pensioner and too late to stop it as it nestled into the corner of the net. We needed that as all our previous pressure had not delivered.
The game was becoming far too stretched as our attack, whilst creative, was too embellished and Chelsea were dangerous on the break. In added time we almost paid the price when another long range pot shot, from Neto, hit our far post. That would have left a different vibe among the home fans at half time but thankfully the ball bounced to safety. H/T 1-1
Arteta certainly got his message home during the break as the Gunners came out firing on all cylinders. On 50 minutes Calafiori put a nice pass out wide to Tzolis, he waited momentarily before sending a searching low cross into the heart of the Chavs box, Havertz took his marker out of an inviting space which Odegaard danced into and as he sat Martinez down on his large Goose Green the captain smashed it home.
6 minutes later as Rodgers threatened on the break, Konsa flew into an all or nothing tackle which he successfully executed which won a loud cheer from the Arsenal faithful. On 59 Tzolis again worked himself into a great position and sent in a delicious cross that unfortunately evaded everyone, it deserved a goal. Chelsea made some changes and one of the new faces, Gusto got into a good spot but fired over the bar on 61.
On 67 Arteta sent on some fresh legs. Hincapie for Calafiori and Zubimendi for Myles, almost immediately Odegaard set up Zubi but his shot was blocked. Chelsea were coming back into the game at this point and probably looked at their most dangerous, even so on 69 minutes Saka had a great shot that looked destined for just inside the far post unfortunately Martinez got across to push it wide for a corner. From that corner Havertz made a run to the near post and flicked it on like classic Steve Bould but nobody followed up, we really left a couple of goal out there yesterday, I hate waste…
With Chelsea ramping up the pressure Arteta sent on Gyokeres and Merino for Havertz and Odegaard on 77 minutes but Chelsea kept coming. Despite the Chav pressure the Gunners soaked it up with only one truly hairy moment when Raya went full stretch to tip an Estevao cross shot over the bar on 89 minutes. By then the pensioners had shot their bolt and we played out 5 minutes of added time giving Madueke a run out on 90 for Saka.
It was a very satisfying win, but I think that Chelsea are going to be a massive threat to us this season, especially as they have no European football. As it stands, Arsenal are still superior but we have to be on our guard.
We March On
By Kev
Stu, as a Scots-Kiwi I knew you would pick up on the title, Caicedo is a big miss for them, their Rodri so to speak, but as good as he is he is also quite dumb and quite likely to get a couple of red cards+ this season which should keep them at arms length.
Morning Rico and Gunners, cheers Cicero and yes, Chelsea look as if they’re going to attack everyone and that’s maybe because Alonso recognises that that is their strength.
Thanks Rico, I didn’t see that criticism regarding Gabriel, did the ‘expert’ who suggested a red card for the King of Brazil comment on the many yellow card level fouls that the referee let go? Let me guess, no, of course not…
“Sent them home ta think again”, indeed Kevski. And they will. Alonso is class and Chelsea were brave agin us, which led to an open and entertaining game. They, as you stated, will be challengers this season, especially when Caicedo returns to their midfield.
I maybe typecasting myself but I thought Kai was marvellous, along with our imperious skipper creating some sublime moments. They both have such subtle touches in their lockers. Our Christos was superb, so quick of thought and feet, Ezra had a fine home debut. He gave away the freekick which led to the Chelsea goal but didn’t do any wrong from then on and demonstrated a tackle upon Morgan straight out of the great Bobby Moore’s text book.
Like Potter, I have some Chelsea mates, and tho’ they moaned about the reffing ?? they did accept that they were second best for much of the game.
On to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Morning Kev, all.
Thanks for the post, another good one.
I see the critics are suggesting Gabriel should have been sent off for catching Martinez in the head with his boot. I think he went for the ball but considering all the fuss the Argentine made of it, not a mark could be seen on his face after.
Like you, I think we left a few goals out there yesterday. Something we need to improve on imo.
Good morning Kev and thanks for the up-summing.
You saw the game very much as I did. Chelsea may well turn out to be a better version than last season’s lot. But they could well be without that vicious scroat Palmer, a few more wild tackles may well see him shown the red card which he richly deserved yesterday.
Onwards and upwards.