For anyone who reads my ratings and has spoken to me about Arsenal, you know I'm not often lost for words. In fact they'd probably pay good money for me to be for once. Yet here I am, almost a full 24 hours later, still not actually sure what superlatives would sufficely cover yesterdays match. Even more amazing when I think of how bored we all were of draws, I guess that showed us.
Amazingly, it was a rather uninspiring performance and Arsenal were pretty flat for the first 25 minutes and Chelsea were seeing an awful lot of the ball whilst creating a few good chances too. Mustafi was the man though to give Chelsea the breakthrough they were searching for, shame though he wasn't meant to given the red shirt he was wearing with an Arsenal badge on it.... Having looked jittery all evening up to that point, he underhit a back pass big time. Tammy Abraham was onto it like a flash and took the ball around Leno. Luiz was running back to try and make up Mustafi's mistake but only succeeded in bundling over Abraham, conceding the penalty, and getting himself sent off all in one swift move. Jorginho converted the resulting penalty well and it was 1-0 to Chelsea all the way through until half time.
The second half was an intriguing watch. Even in the first half, Chelsea had begun to find 10 man Arsenal to be a resilient force. But Arsenal kept themselves in the game and with just over an hour on the clock, Chelsea were punished and Arsenal richly rewarded. Chelsea's 8445792947th corner was headed clear by Mustafi and the ball fell to Martinelli on the edge of the box. Despite being a full 90-100+ yards from his target, he gunned for Kepa's goal and sprant forward like his life depended on it. Kante was stood in his way but slipped at the vital time on the halfway line and suddenly Martinelli was one on one. Thankfully he kept his composure and expertly slotted home to send the Arsenal fans wild.
20 minutes nervously came and went, Arsenal were still clinging on. Leno made a superb save to keep us level at 1-1 but it didn't take much longer for Chelsea to find their way through on their own for the first time. A short corner routine proved our undoing, Arsenal looked to step up but weren't quick enough, as a result the back line were caught on their heels and Azipilicueta was just onside to poke home from just a few yards out leaving Leno helpless to stop Chelsea restoring their lead.
Arsenal had to be brave if they were going to get back into this match for a second time, and they were as they immediately went on the front foot. After a couple of minutes of sustained pressure without an opening, the ball found it's way to Bellerin on the right, he cut the ball onto his left foot and whipped an effort that Messi would be proud of beyond Kepa's reach. The Arsenal fans were sent into raptures once again, and surely now even we couldn't mess this up? Right??
Well thankfully no, even Arsenal couldn't throw this one away once again and they deservedly held on to the draw. 50% of our league games have now ended in a draw so far this season, but this one felt like victory. This was the sort of result and performance that we can use to build on now, evidence that with the values and style Arteta is trying to implement will work and instills belief to this squad. WE'RE ARTETA'S BARMY ARMY!
Ratings:
Leno - 6.5
Honestly, had virtually nothing to do. But when he was called upon, he did so expertly. In respect to the goals, he didn't stand any kind of chance; Jorginho's penalty was right in the corner out of his reach, and no one would be able to react quickly enough to a tap in from 3 yards. He did make one particularly outstanding save and for that he earns a bonus half point.
Bellerin - 6.5
A difficult game to judge in all honesty, during the first half he looked a little leggy and like he'd lost some of his power, almost vindicating everyone's worries about his surprise inclusion. However it looked like adrenaline helped see him through the second half and you can't take away his goal, he had to try something and it paid off.
Mustafi - 3
I'm feeling generous giving him a 3 I have to be honest. I can't say I agree with the post much praise he received for his reaction, because I still felt even then he was poor, just less poor than he had been up to the penalty incident. Pre calamity, his passing was so astray that Chelsea actually let him do what he fancied in the full knowledge he'd still likely turn the ball back over to them. In the second half he did his normal job but he looked as though his nerves had been shot and wasn't comfortable. Relied on Xhaka to clean up a lot.
Luiz - 5
Up until the red card he was continuing his good run of form, even if he hadn't been spectacular in any way. To say I feel sorry for him is more than an understatement, but neither can I say I'm pleased with the manner in which he tried to deal with the situation. He could have simply tried to block the ball and it would have been a win-win situation for him in some ways, but instead he left us with 10 men and even more of an uphill battle.
Saka - 7
Superb at left back yet again, Chelsea targeted him from the offset but he looked like a seasoned full back the way he handled multiple Chelsea attacks. He does need to work on going forward from a full back position but couldn't ask for an awful lot more.
Torreira - 7
Another very solid and strong performance. He really is relishing being back in his favoured position once again. Great to see him keep his form going in difficult circumstances.
Xhaka - 9.5 (MOTM)
Now that's what I call a captains performance if ever I saw one. It truly was an outstanding performance and it was him who looked like the senior centre half in the heart of that back 4. He mopped up all the danger everytime the back 4 were tested and I don't think he lost a header. He was also calm on the ball and used it well to relieve the side of mounting pressure. It would have been a 10 if he wasn't the one that was slightly caught on his heels for Chelsea's 2nd goal but that's being hypercritical of me.
Pepe - 7
Whilst not his most dangerous game, I thought he did everything else superbly well. He kept hold of the ball every time we needed it, and whilst not in any way naturally defensive, he did add the extra body that stopped Bellerin being isolated on his own against 2 Chelsea forwards.
Ozil - 5.5
I must admit, I was very disappointed with Ozil tonight. It was again in difficult circumstances as Ozil does not like to be on the side without the ball so for that I have SOME sympathy, but he does need to make the high intensity sprints more often when the teams calls upon it, and I'm sure he should have been able to do that.
Martinelli - 7
Where to begin with this kid? He hasn't half got some ability this boy and he showed it with the goal he took astonishingly well. I actually thought he wasn't having his best game as both his touch and passing was a little loose for my liking, but that's the rawness that sometimes comes with an 18 year old. Thankfully it didn't cost us and I'd like to think he'll learn from his lessons.
Lacazette - 5
Not for the first time this season I was really disappointed with Lacazette. Despite being given every chance under Arteta, it's becoming increasingly clear that he is not going to have the output this team needs, nor consistent enough work off the ball to warrant sacrificing that element of the game. Whilst happy to challenge for any ground duels, he doesn't challenge for anything in the air and it's becoming an increasing bug bear for me personally, he has to battle in the air when your team is under the cosh.
Guendouzi - 7
I was very impressed with Guendouzi when he came on. He seems to be at his best when the chips are down and everything is a scrap. I felt he was in his element as disruptor in chief and was tody in possession. Played a jey role in recyckling posession that eventually leaded to Bellerin's goal.
Holding - N/A
Willock - N/A
Amazingly, it was a rather uninspiring performance and Arsenal were pretty flat for the first 25 minutes and Chelsea were seeing an awful lot of the ball whilst creating a few good chances too. Mustafi was the man though to give Chelsea the breakthrough they were searching for, shame though he wasn't meant to given the red shirt he was wearing with an Arsenal badge on it.... Having looked jittery all evening up to that point, he underhit a back pass big time. Tammy Abraham was onto it like a flash and took the ball around Leno. Luiz was running back to try and make up Mustafi's mistake but only succeeded in bundling over Abraham, conceding the penalty, and getting himself sent off all in one swift move. Jorginho converted the resulting penalty well and it was 1-0 to Chelsea all the way through until half time.
The second half was an intriguing watch. Even in the first half, Chelsea had begun to find 10 man Arsenal to be a resilient force. But Arsenal kept themselves in the game and with just over an hour on the clock, Chelsea were punished and Arsenal richly rewarded. Chelsea's 8445792947th corner was headed clear by Mustafi and the ball fell to Martinelli on the edge of the box. Despite being a full 90-100+ yards from his target, he gunned for Kepa's goal and sprant forward like his life depended on it. Kante was stood in his way but slipped at the vital time on the halfway line and suddenly Martinelli was one on one. Thankfully he kept his composure and expertly slotted home to send the Arsenal fans wild.
20 minutes nervously came and went, Arsenal were still clinging on. Leno made a superb save to keep us level at 1-1 but it didn't take much longer for Chelsea to find their way through on their own for the first time. A short corner routine proved our undoing, Arsenal looked to step up but weren't quick enough, as a result the back line were caught on their heels and Azipilicueta was just onside to poke home from just a few yards out leaving Leno helpless to stop Chelsea restoring their lead.
Arsenal had to be brave if they were going to get back into this match for a second time, and they were as they immediately went on the front foot. After a couple of minutes of sustained pressure without an opening, the ball found it's way to Bellerin on the right, he cut the ball onto his left foot and whipped an effort that Messi would be proud of beyond Kepa's reach. The Arsenal fans were sent into raptures once again, and surely now even we couldn't mess this up? Right??
Well thankfully no, even Arsenal couldn't throw this one away once again and they deservedly held on to the draw. 50% of our league games have now ended in a draw so far this season, but this one felt like victory. This was the sort of result and performance that we can use to build on now, evidence that with the values and style Arteta is trying to implement will work and instills belief to this squad. WE'RE ARTETA'S BARMY ARMY!
Ratings:
Leno - 6.5
Honestly, had virtually nothing to do. But when he was called upon, he did so expertly. In respect to the goals, he didn't stand any kind of chance; Jorginho's penalty was right in the corner out of his reach, and no one would be able to react quickly enough to a tap in from 3 yards. He did make one particularly outstanding save and for that he earns a bonus half point.
Bellerin - 6.5
A difficult game to judge in all honesty, during the first half he looked a little leggy and like he'd lost some of his power, almost vindicating everyone's worries about his surprise inclusion. However it looked like adrenaline helped see him through the second half and you can't take away his goal, he had to try something and it paid off.
Mustafi - 3
I'm feeling generous giving him a 3 I have to be honest. I can't say I agree with the post much praise he received for his reaction, because I still felt even then he was poor, just less poor than he had been up to the penalty incident. Pre calamity, his passing was so astray that Chelsea actually let him do what he fancied in the full knowledge he'd still likely turn the ball back over to them. In the second half he did his normal job but he looked as though his nerves had been shot and wasn't comfortable. Relied on Xhaka to clean up a lot.
Luiz - 5
Up until the red card he was continuing his good run of form, even if he hadn't been spectacular in any way. To say I feel sorry for him is more than an understatement, but neither can I say I'm pleased with the manner in which he tried to deal with the situation. He could have simply tried to block the ball and it would have been a win-win situation for him in some ways, but instead he left us with 10 men and even more of an uphill battle.
Saka - 7
Superb at left back yet again, Chelsea targeted him from the offset but he looked like a seasoned full back the way he handled multiple Chelsea attacks. He does need to work on going forward from a full back position but couldn't ask for an awful lot more.
Torreira - 7
Another very solid and strong performance. He really is relishing being back in his favoured position once again. Great to see him keep his form going in difficult circumstances.
Xhaka - 9.5 (MOTM)
Now that's what I call a captains performance if ever I saw one. It truly was an outstanding performance and it was him who looked like the senior centre half in the heart of that back 4. He mopped up all the danger everytime the back 4 were tested and I don't think he lost a header. He was also calm on the ball and used it well to relieve the side of mounting pressure. It would have been a 10 if he wasn't the one that was slightly caught on his heels for Chelsea's 2nd goal but that's being hypercritical of me.
Pepe - 7
Whilst not his most dangerous game, I thought he did everything else superbly well. He kept hold of the ball every time we needed it, and whilst not in any way naturally defensive, he did add the extra body that stopped Bellerin being isolated on his own against 2 Chelsea forwards.
Ozil - 5.5
I must admit, I was very disappointed with Ozil tonight. It was again in difficult circumstances as Ozil does not like to be on the side without the ball so for that I have SOME sympathy, but he does need to make the high intensity sprints more often when the teams calls upon it, and I'm sure he should have been able to do that.
Martinelli - 7
Where to begin with this kid? He hasn't half got some ability this boy and he showed it with the goal he took astonishingly well. I actually thought he wasn't having his best game as both his touch and passing was a little loose for my liking, but that's the rawness that sometimes comes with an 18 year old. Thankfully it didn't cost us and I'd like to think he'll learn from his lessons.
Lacazette - 5
Not for the first time this season I was really disappointed with Lacazette. Despite being given every chance under Arteta, it's becoming increasingly clear that he is not going to have the output this team needs, nor consistent enough work off the ball to warrant sacrificing that element of the game. Whilst happy to challenge for any ground duels, he doesn't challenge for anything in the air and it's becoming an increasing bug bear for me personally, he has to battle in the air when your team is under the cosh.
Guendouzi - 7
I was very impressed with Guendouzi when he came on. He seems to be at his best when the chips are down and everything is a scrap. I felt he was in his element as disruptor in chief and was tody in possession. Played a jey role in recyckling posession that eventually leaded to Bellerin's goal.
Holding - N/A
Willock - N/A
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