· 2 min readIn this Arsenal vs Chelsea match, I analyse the key tactical moments, individual performances and turning points of the game.
Arsenal and Chelsea arrived at this London derby with two wins from two games, but with very different characteristics. Arteta’s Arsenal continues to look like the more complete team and, for me, are favourites for the title, while Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea have a very strong attack, but still suffer too much defensively. It was Arsenal’s defence against Chelsea’s attack.
And the game started completely opposite to what was expected. In the 2nd minute, a free-kick from the side, the ball was left loose in the box and fell to Morgan Rogers, who struck it without letting the ball drop. A perfect shot, placed into the corner, with absolutely no chance for Raya. 0-1. Arsenal’s first goal conceded in this Premier League.
Arsenal responded through their usual weapon: set pieces. In the 12th minute, Gabriel shot close to goal, Martínez made an absurd save, Konsa hit the post and Calafiori reacted first to score. However, the goal was disallowed for Konsa being offside. Once again, Arsenal created danger from a set piece.
Arteta’s team continued to push and Saka forced another save from Martínez, while Chelsea tried to survive and get forward quickly. And that difference in styles became very clear: Arsenal wanted to build, circulate and create; Chelsea wanted few touches and to attack the space.
In the 25th minute, the equaliser arrived. Havertz received on the right, drove inside and shot from outside the box, placing the ball into the corner. 1-1. The former-club rule for the German, who had a great first half.
Chelsea also hit the post before half-time, with Pedro Neto taking advantage of a beautiful ball from João Pedro, but Arsenal had clearly been the more dangerous team.
The second half began with the turnaround. In the 50th minute, Tzolis received on the left, cut inside and put the ball into the box. Havertz made an excellent dummy, letting the ball run through, and Odegaard appeared completely alone to calmly finish. 2-1.
Chelsea remained dangerous whenever they managed to accelerate, but Arsenal defended very well and practically allowed no chances. Xabi Alonso’s problem is that, in this second half, even the team’s biggest weapon, the attack, disappeared for too long. Estevão only came on in the 81st minute, which I think was a mistake, although I understand the clear attacking quality of the starting team.
Arsenal controlled the game without needing to take many risks, while Chelsea needed to score but could not even keep possession for long. Towards the end, Estevão appeared. He picked up the ball on the left, cut inside and struck it very well, but Raya made a great save.
Post-match
Arsenal conceded early, responded, turned the game around and once again showed that they are a more complete team. Chelsea have talent and can be dangerous with very little, but Xabi Alonso still has a lot of work to do. The difference between the two teams was very clear.
