Arsenal stun Chelsea in an impressive 3-1 win at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal ends a seven-match winless run with a surprise and dominant performance against Chelsea. However contrary to their recent performances Arsenal’s midfield showed some grit in a spirited performance at home.
Chelsea came into the match on the back of a brilliant 3-0 win against West Ham. And a win against Gunners would have lifted them to 2nd spot behind leaders Liverpool in Premier League table. But with a disappointing performance, given Chelsea’s managerial changes, Frank Lampard is on thin ice.
Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea Team News:
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed last weekend’s fixture against Everton. He was included in the squad however, he started from the bench. Arteta preferred youngsters with Martinelli, Saka, and Emile-Smith Rowe starting. New signing Thomas Partey continues to recover from his injury. Gabriel, Willian, and David Luiz missed out due to COVID regulations.
Chelsea were sweating on the fitness of full-backs Reece James and Ben Chilwell. However, both were given green lights ahead of the fixture. Tammy Abraham started over in-form Olivier Giroud. Matteo Kovacic started ahead of Jorginho with Cesar Azpilicueta relegated to the bench.
Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea Match Analysis:
Arsenal had a strong start to the game with Hector Bellerin whipping a brilliant cross to Gabriel Martinelli. But young Brazilian couldn’t find the back of the net, only to steer his effort wide. Chelsea after a poor start came incredibly close to take the lead after Mason Mount’s brilliant freekick clipped the post.
Emile-Smith Rowe should have put Arsenal in the lead after a brilliant bit of play from Bukayo Saka. But Arsenal were rewarded for their brilliant start with a penalty kick when Reece James brought down Kieran Tierney inside the box.
Alexandre Lacazette tucked away the penalty kick to give Arsenal a well-deserved lead. Arsenal further increased their lead with a superb free-kick from Granit Xhaka.
A poor first-half from Chelsea subsequently led to Frank Lampard making changes at half-time. Jorginho and Callum-Hudson Odoi replaced Kovacic and Werner respectively.
However, any chances of a comeback were squashed as Bukayo Saka made it 3-0 to the Gunners with an impressive strike. Tammy Abraham pulled one back for the visitors to make it 3-1. But Arsenal held on to a much-needed victory.
Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea Notable Performances:
Bukayo Saka(9/10)– Arguably Arsenal’s player of the season. 19-year-old midfielder is the only bright spark in a mediocre Arsenal team. Scored a wonderful goal to cap off a brilliant performance.
Gabriel Martinelli(8/10)– Perhaps the player Arsenal missed most this season. Brazilian is a menace for any defense with his high-intensity pressing.
Timo Werner (4/10)– Another poor performance by the German striker. With Olivier Giroud knocking on the door, Werner’s spot in Chelsea’s starting 11 is increasingly under pressure.
Chelsea faces an inform Aston Villa in a midweek fixture at Stamford Bridge. But another similar result could end in Frank Lampard losing the job. Meanwhile, Arsenal faces a tough away trip to Brighton.
Follow our Twitter page for the latest updates on English Premier League and Indian Football.
