Match Review: Arsenal v. Chelsea
As had been previously predicted, Arsenal & Chelsea ended up drawing. Again. But, there was plenty of action this time around with each side netting two goals despite blowing more chances than a group of socially awkward virgins on prom night.
The Good
Both clubs got good to great performances from their attacking midfielders as Cesc Fabregas & Mesut Ozil put on a dynamic display, constantly creating chances and keeping both goalkeepers alert throughout the match. Eden Hazard and Alexis Sanchez both made substantial impacts on the game & the opposing fans’ collective blood pressure.
Arsenal had quite a few positives as beloved academy product Jack Wilshere scored to give them the lead, while having an all around solid match. Ainsley Maitland-Niles put in quite the shift despite getting spun by Zappacosta for the assist on Chelsea’s second goal, continuing to show promise going forward.
The Bad
It starting to become a habit now but Arsenal gave up yet another penalty as Hector Bellerin fouled Eden Hazard, of all people. And, as per usual, Petr Cech failed to stop the pen. Taking PKs against Cech are basically guaranteed goals at this point; it’s been years since he’s stopped one. So much for those 10–13 points he’d save Arsenal each season, eh, John Terry?
It should also be noted that it’s been months since Bakayoko popped up on football twitter’s radar and I still can’t figure out what he’s supposed to be good at. Chelsea Guy was right about you.
The Ugly
This game featured two big money strikers in Alvaro Morata & Alexandre Lacazette. Neither found the back of the net despite ample opportunities to do so. Morata simply can’t bang goals if he has to use his feet. I’m pretty sure Alvaro wouldn’t score in a Tijauna brothel.
As for Alexandre, I don’t know what else can be said other than that he’s just a french Saido Beraniho. Arsenal really blew 45M on a man that can’t even bench Olivier Giroud on the French national team. I’m sure he knows he needs to start scoring soon, as his frustration was showing all over the pitch in the final 30 minutes of the match.
Overall, it was an entertaining watch with both sides showing that they have rather competent attacks and a few defenders that can actually show up on occasion. The League Cup semifinals later this month should hopefully be just as enthralling.
