Arsenal picked up all three points in an absolutely huge game at The Emirates this afternoon, but boy did they make hard work of it.
They didn’t start to great as Chelsea were the first to really settle into the game, but after about 15 minutes we started to take hold of the contest and deservedly went ahead through a William Saliba header, following a brilliant Bukayo Saka corner. From this point onwards we seemed to handle the game quite well although should really have been further ahead as we let Chelsea mistakes at the back go unpunished on at least 3 occasions, which was poor on our part. Then out of nowhere, Chelsea levelled when Piero Hincapie flicked in a Chelsea corner in first half stoppage time to send the teams in level at the break.
Chelsea were again the stronger team at the start of the second half and tested David Raya a couple of times, without really stretching him and then again, we started to come into the game after about 15 minutes of the second half and went ahead on 66 minutes through Jurrien Timber’s header from another excellent corner. This time from Declan Rice.
Shortly after our second goal, it looked like our job had got a lot easier as Pedro Neto scythed down Gabriel Martinelli in quite ridiculous fashion, which earned him a second yellow card, leaving Arsenal to play the final 20 minutes plus stoppage time against 10 men.
At this point Arsenal should have killed the contest and Eberechi Eze nearly did so, bringing a fine save from Robert Sanchez in the Chelsea goal. There really wasn’t enough moments like that though and Arsenal, as they did at Stamford Bridge in the reverse fixture, didn’t make the extra man count, which led to a frankly horrible stoppage time period. David Raya clawed away a goal bound Alejandro Garnacho cross in the 93rd minute to leave Gooners hearts in mouths, only for another excellent David Raya save to eventually lead to Liam Delap turning the ball home in the 95th minute, before the linesman’s flag came to Arsenal’s rescue.
Arsenal managed to cling on for the next 60-90 seconds without further incident to take the win, but we really can’t keep leaving the margins as close as this going into the closing stages of games, especially against 10 men. However, the game did end in a win so I’m not going to dwell on that too much tonight as we should celebrate going 5 points clear again, especially as that’s one of our really hard games out of the way now. We march on!! Here’s how the players rated:
David Raya – 9 PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Outstanding. Simply outstanding. I remember reading a quote from John Terry (I know, I know. Just hear me out) when we bought Petr Cech from Chelsea stating his displeasure and adding that a good goalkeeper is worth 10-15 points a year….I think David Raya is worth at least 20 already this season!!! No chance with their goal, had done really well to put the previous set piece behind, despite clearly being fouled and then made two unbelievable saves in stoppage time (one of which didn’t count, but still) to basically carry Arsenal over the line. I know he messed up at Wolves, but this guy is huge for us.
Jurrien Timber – 7
I don’t actually think this was his best game overall, but he really did come up trumps for us with the winning goal and deserves his 7 out of 10. Did well defensively in his duels and linked up well with Saka on the overlap, although he was wasteful on occasion, especially the one where he looked certain to score after jinking inside only to poke the ball harmlessly through to Sanchez.
William Saliba – 7
Another who was a little off it at times, as he struggled with the lively Joao Pedro. Also came up trumps for us at the other end though, forcing home the opener to net his first goal of the season at a truly key time for us. Made a really uncharacteristic error to gift possession to Chelsea at one stage, which thankfully went unpunished, but he did look a bit shaky at times and that’s not something we’re used to seeing in the Frenchman. Made some fantastic blocks though and also countless headers. Thought he was on the ball far too much again, which is not at all his fault.
Gabriel – 7
His set piece prowess returned at the vital moment as he towered over 2 players at the back post to knock the ball down for his central defensive partner to score in a real high point in the game. Was largely dominant throughout and dealt with Joao Pedro better than Saliba did, when Pedro came over to his side. Individually we defended pretty well, it felt like the problems more came from a collective point of view and as the obvious leader in our backline, some of that must fall on Gabriel. Was a monster in the air though and very little got past him.
Piero Hincapie – 8
Aside from the own goal, I thought he was excellent and our best defender. Kept Neto locked down for the vast majority of the game and even had to deal with Reece James as well at times and again came out on top more often than not. Really strong going forward as well as he bombed down the wing to good effect and looked after the ball well. His partnership with Leandro Trossard is developing nicely as well. Good performance.
Martin Zubimendi – 5
When we controlled the game so poorly at times, you can’t help but looked at Zubimendi and wonder what he’s doing to change the course for us. The last 10-15 minutes should have been a display of keep ball against the 10 men, but we struggled to maintain control and this is where the Spaniard usually thrives so that’s a worry. Competed well though and won several headers that he had no right in winning. Needs to take more ownership of the ball at times and be a little braver in both playing and carrying it forward. Saliba and Gabriel shouldn’t be left to start our attacks. So nearly gifted Chelsea a goal with a suicidal back pass which Raya did well to clear.
Declan Rice – 7
Battled well, as usual, although the odd mistake crept in here and there, especially for the back pass to Raya that he hoofed needlessly out of play. If that was on target, we would have been talking about a truly horrendous moment in not just our season, but Rice’s career in general. Thankfully it didn’t although he was withdrawn shortly after with a knock of some sort, which hopefully isn’t serious. Another player who needs to take more responsibility when we’re in possession though. Crosses from set pieces were exemplary again.
Eberechi Eze – 6
After his heroics against T*ttenham last week, this was a bit of a come down in performance, although he showed he can battle, which is a side of his game that I have questioned recently. It was his touch that seem to let him down today, which is really surprising given his obvious quality in this area. Was found in that pocket just outside the box on a couple of occasions and just couldn’t complete that final action due to either a poor first touch or poor execution of the pass/shot. Forced a save from Sanchez late on to seal the game, with Zubimendi wide open to his left. Need more from him.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Had spells in the game where he was hugely influential only to fade again shortly after. I think he had to beating of Jorrell Hato, but I don’t think we saw that nearly enough. Excellent corner to set up the first goal and he did his bit defensively as well, in a generally productive performance, even if there were no fireworks.
Viktor Gyokeres – 6
Another who’s level dropped significantly from the last game, as he wasn’t as careful when looking after the ball and failed to bring teammates into the game on a frustrating amount of times. Did run the channels well though, which helped us get up the pitch and relieve pressure. I don’t think he’ll be judged on these games as in an ideal world I wouldn’t be starting him, but I still would have hoped for a little more from the in-form marksman. Wasn’t substituted until 76th minute which I was quite surprised about.
Leandro Trossard – 7
I’m not a massive Trossard fan, but I was left scratching my head at his withdrawal, as I thought he was probably our best attacker. Always willing to get on the ball and try to make things happen, taking it under pressure at times and although not everything he tried came off, he was always looking to create. Partnership with Hincapie is also showing signs of improvement. Had a great chance to play in Declan Rice on the break which he hit straight at Moises Caceido. Subbed on 56 minutes which seemed harsh to me.
Subs:
Gabriel Martinelli – Was full of running and did really well to lure Pedro Neto into his last action of the game for the red card. Not too influential other than that and I wanted a bit more urgency when he was pressing the Chelsea backline late on.
Kai Havertz – Not the cameo I was hoping for, as he had little or no impact on the game against the 10 men. Too much jogging for my liking, especially as he was brought on as fresh legs.
Christian Norgaard – I don’t remember him touching the ball. I’ve been calling for him to get more minutes this season and this performance didn’t do me any favours!!
Final note – This team really worries me at times. I know we’re only 9 wins away from the title, but performances like this are going to make it really difficult for us to get over the line. Don’t get me wrong, I’m over the moon with this result, it’s huge, enormous, I’m still absolutely buzzing to go 5 points clear again. I’m just hoping that the performance levels are going to spike really, really soon. As they really need to!