Arsenal stay clear on the high. Chelsea captain Reece James stated his aspect delivered a “statement”, however Mikel Arteta felt the Gunners “should have won”. This is why either side may be broadly pleased with Sunday’s 1-1 draw…
A optimistic level for Arsenal – even when two dropped in circumstances
There shall be frustration from Arsenal that they could not capitalise on Moises Caicedo’s crimson card after 38 minutes, however the Gunners have been removed from their greatest at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal have been with out each first-choice centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes for under the second time in 162 league matches and risked happening to 10 males themselves, receiving six bookings in what was a scrappy contest. Leandro Trossard was additionally absent after selecting up an damage in midweek and attacking gamers like Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli and Viktor Gyokeres are all nonetheless working their approach again to full match sharpness.
It confirmed because the Gunners struggled for attacking rhythm all through the sport in west London. Chelsea have additionally been in effective kind themselves and even with 10 males they brought on Arsenal loads of issues. To maintain the hole to the Blues to 6 factors with some extent Arsenal would have taken earlier than the sport can’t be a foul factor for Arsenal.
It is a level gained on the efficiency however two factors dropped within the circumstances of the sport. As soon as the mud settles, nevertheless, they’ll absolutely look again on this as a optimistic level.
It additionally comes on the finish of a troublesome week of fixtures for Mikel Arteta’s aspect, the place they produced huge victories over north London rivals Spurs and Bayern Munich within the Champions League. It was an emotionally draining week for the Gunners and it confirmed at Stamford Bridge.
“It’s been a big week,” Mikel Arteta stated. “The derby, how emotional and the need to win, then Bayern Munich.
“We lost players in those games. The team had to react to that. It’s been a positive week because the difficulty was immense.”
They did not handle to discover a winner to create an ideal week, however to remain unbeaten in three powerful video games must be a optimistic for the Gunners, who prolong their unbeaten run in all competitions to 17 video games.
Lastly, by way of the Premier League, Stamford Bridge is one other tough away journey ticked off for the Gunners. They’ve now been to Outdated Trafford, Anfield, St James’ Park and Stamford Bridge, and to nonetheless maintain a five-point benefit on the high of the Premier League, Arteta would have taken that.
Oliver Yew
Chelsea shed gentle underbelly to point out true mettle
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Watch Moises Caicedo see crimson for a excessive problem on Mikel Merino earlier than half-time
This week, and this outcome particularly, feels the fruits of one thing Enzo Maresca has been making an attempt to construct for a while. Chelsea have their chunk again. An excessive amount of, in a single case.
The previous 5 days have been a story of two crimson playing cards. Whereas Barcelona capitulated following Ronald Araujo’s first-half dismissal at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening, Chelsea have been galvinised by Moises Caicedo’s sending off towards Arsenal, turning into simply the second crew from 14 to disclaim them victory.
It will have been simple to make use of the crimson card as an excuse. Putting first lower than three minutes after half-time is kind of the other.
All through the early Todd Boehly period, questions have been raised about Chelsea’s mentality and a weak dressing room, not aided by the logistics of a ballooning squad.
Even underneath the gradual rebuilding of Mauricio Pochettino, their gentle underbelly remained their largest Achilles’ heel. It has dogged Maresca at occasions too.
However 18 months into his reign, this efficiency, as a lot as every other, shall be used as a benchmark. A mentality blueprint.
Chelsea rolled up their sleeves, did the soiled stuff, the darkish arts, bought caught in and confirmed Arsenal they have been right here for a battle even at 10 vs 11. For the final hour particularly, they displayed an edge even past their Membership World Cup win and return to the Champions League final season.
These drew on Maresca’s tactical nous; this added the struggle.
Ron Walker
