Arsenal's positive away record, combined with Chelsea's poor run of home games created plenty of anticipation for today's game. With Arsenal desperate for a big win and Chelsea in need of resurgence, there was bound to be a lot of talking points. Arsenal were without Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mikel Arteta, Lukasz Podolski and Gervinho for today's game, leaving them with a lack of bite in attack. Chelsea on the other hand were without their skipper John Terry, Romeu, Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel.
It was yet another slow start that cost Arsenal a result in the Premier League this season. Chelsea needed a good start after their poor run of home games and got it when Juan Mata put the Blues ahead within 6 minutes, following a Giroud strike at the other end that should have put Arsenal 1-0 up. Things went from bad to worse for Arsenal, their weaknesses in defence was exposed again when Backary Sagna was caught out of position, leaving Szczesny to stick a food out and foul Ramires. The resulting penalty was buried by Frank Lampard, who proved once again that he still has a lot to offer the European Champions.
2-0 within 16 minutes.
For the rest of the first half Chelsea continued to dominate. The attacking force of Mata, Hazard, Ramires, Lampard and Torres tested Arsenal time and time again, their major fault being their inability to finish their chances, with Torres putting the ball into row z once again this season. There were only few chances from Arsenal, a 20 yard strike from Santi Cazorla was saved by Petr Cech, and a fantastic pass from Jack Wilshere nearly allowed Giroud to get a goal back.
Despite those chances, the half still ended with Chelsea in complete control.
The second half was a lot brighter from Arsenal. They looked like a different team, a team capable of challenging the top teams in the league, a team they should have looked like from the start. Wenger's half-time words worked, as Theo Walcott buried the ball expertly after a fantastic pass from Cazorla to get a goal back for the gunners. A goal reminiscent of the great Thierry Henry (who has been training with Arsenal for the past few weeks). Arsenal were buzzing. The stadium was alive with noise from both sets of fans as Arsenal constantly bombarded Chelsea with attack after attack. Chelsea still managed to break, but Vermaelen was a brick wall Arsenal desperately needed. Mertesacker's continued poor form meant the Belgian had to work a double shift to keep Chelsea out.
Despite Arsenal's continued dominance, it was Chelsea who had the best chance of the second half. Demba Ba escaped a poor attempt for an offside trap from Per Mertesacker to take the ball around Szczesney, only for Thomas Vermaelen to save the day again with a fantastically angled block. Arsenal drew even more hope from this and moved forward yet again. Chelsea managed to hold them off, despite a stoppage time free-kick, several corners and a Giroud header.
It was a game of two halves, the first belonging to Chelsea, the second to Arsenal, however it was Arsenal's weakness at the back and lack of quality finishing up front that cost them a point in today's game. Chelsea have ended their poor run of games at Stamford Bridge and look forward to chasing Manchester City and Manchester United (who play Spurs later today). Arsenal on the other hand need Wenger to spend big in the transfer market, a proven striker and a strong centre-back are essential, with a defensive midfielder also a possibility.
The next two weeks are vital for Arsenal in determining whether they will be in the Champions League next season. Improvements are needed, and they are needed fast.
Player Ratings:
GK: Szczesney- 5
Made a couple of good saves throughout the game, and couldn't do much about the penalty, but it was that incident and his weak hand to Mata's goal that contributed to his low rating.
RB: Sagna- 5
It was a performance that was unlike Sagna. Caught out of position which lead to Chelsea's penalty, and was also at fault for letting Mata get so much space for the first goal. His performance picked up in the second half, but it wasn't enough to save him in the end.
LB: Gibbs- 7
Constantly getting forward and is becoming more and more influential in Arsenal's play as the season goes on. Made a vital tackle in the second half, but also got caught out of position a few times leaving Vermaelen to cover for him.
CB: Mertesacker- 5
Not a disastrous performance, and he has had worse. A positive shot in the second half was his best moment. He let Demba Ba escape down the wing which nearly got Chelsea a 3rd goal. He is slow, clunky and for someone who is 6'7, weak in the air. Sell him, please!
CB: Vermaelen (C)- 9
Our rock at the back. Put in a fantastic shift at the back today and didn't stop working. Halting attacks from Ba and Ramires as well as throwing the tackles in when needed, he also held off when they were not. An excellent captain's performance.
CM: Coquelin- 7
Was unlucky that Ramires' foul on him lead to the goal, he didn't look the same after that and was substituted for Aaron Ramsey in the second half. Played well and won the ball back a few times, but still isn't Arsenal's answer to a defensive midfielder.
CM: Diaby- 6
Did well spreading the play and was a big presence in Arsenal's midfield when they went on the attack, something Arsenal have missed in recent years. He got out of jail after nearly giving away a penalty in the opening of the game though.
CM: Wilshere- 8
Another tenacious performance from Arsenal's terrier. This guy does not stop working, a classic box-to-box midfielder. He played some great passes today, and Giroud can definitely not complain about the service he got. Wilshere is going to be a HUGE player in Arsenal's future, and they are lucky to have him tied down to a long term contract.
RW: Walcott-7
He spent most of the first half offside, but his pace was always going to be dangerous. The finish for Arsenal's goal was fantastic and you can tell his has been working on it. Should not have been playing on the wing today, but still managed to get himself on the scoresheet.
LW: Cazorla-8
Set up Arsenal's goal and looked agile and positive throughout the game. Gives Arsenal an extra dimension, but again should not be playing on the wing. I'd have rather seen Arshavin in for Coquelin to allow Cazorla and Wilshere the run of the midfield. Despite this, he had a very good game once again.
FC: Giroud-6
Missed three chances that could have made the difference. If he had buried his first shot (which he should have) the game could have been a lot different. Coupled with another chance right at the death that he also should have directed at goal, it wasn't the best day for Olivier.
Overall team performance: 7
The first half was dire, but the second half picked up and Arsenal showed what they are capable of. Although they looked weak, their poor performance in the first half was down to a complete drain of confidence. Although this was reinstated in the second half, it wasn't enough to get them a point.
Arsenal's MOTM: Thomas Vermaelen
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