Premier League: Arsenal vs Chelsea Match Review

We did the double over Chelsea. First time in a while that has happened. Here is what I thought of the game.

Line-Up:

I won’t even mention the absence of Gabriel Martinelli – it is standard by now. In fact, what possibly surprised me more was Arteta’s choice to opt out of playing Pepe, but rather set up with Smith-Rowe and Odegaard just behind Aubameyang, filling in those wide CAM roles. It was great to see Tierney back in the starting line-up. On the other hand, using the 3-4-3 (such an inconsistent formation in the pass) was a questionable choice in my opinion. It got the job done however.

Smith-Rowe Goal:

My initial reaction to this was that Chelsea had just conceded the most Arsenal goal against Arsenal. I mean honestly, I got flashbacks to last season.

Kepa did brilliantly to tap the ball off the line… from Jorginho’s pass. Aubameyang then did well to stay calm and find an open Smith-Rowe, who finished off one touch, hitting the post in the way in.

A gifted goal, but it was all that was needed.

Play Style:

We have seen it against multiple big name opponents before, especially in the FA Cup. Arteta chose to sit back and defend until the opportunity to score presented itself. When that opportunity did present itself and was taken, Arteta decided to switch up the game plan and defend even more.

But hey; if it works, it works.

The choice of line-up allowed Arsenal to play like this. In defence, the squad would have featured in a 5-back with Tierney and Saka dropping in as full backs, but continuing that defensive theme through the central midfield in Partey and Elneny.

MAN OF THE MATCH:

Thomas Partey – 8.5

Possibly Partey’s best game in a Gunner’s kit. Was brilliant defensively in making tackles and winning possession. Also very efficient in possession and helped a lot in making that transition to attack. Showed a great work ethic and didn’t stop running the whole match. Also had that late penalty dive which was quite funny.