Chelsea v Arsenal review – Gritty Gunners deserve the draw (at least)

Not many people gave Arsenal much of a chance of getting anything from our trip to Chelsea in the Premier League today, and that was before we heard the news that Mesut Ozil had picked up a minor muscle injury ahead of the game and that Alexis Sanchez would only be on the bench.

But it was a much more resilient and organised peformance from the Gunners than we have seen in the two previous away gamesd this season, and it paid off as the home team were frustrated as they struggled to make much headway or even enjoy more of the ball.

As the game wore on we did drop further and further back as Arsene Wenger decided to hang on to what we had. And just as the pressure started to build Chelsea were reduced to 10 men after an awful studs up tackle by Luiz on Kolasinac. He could have gone earlier to be honest when a raised boot caught Koscielny in the face but the referee gave a yellow.

There was hardly any time for Arsenal to make use of the advantage and with better finishing we should have already had the lead to hang on to. Welbeck headed a great ball just wide in the 16th minute and Lacazette really should have buried the rebound after a mazy run by Ramsey saw his attempt come back off the post minutes before the break.

We also had a goal disallowed but Mustafi was offside before heading a free kick past Courtois, and Chelsea had chances as well, though, but not too many and it was an even game that saw Gunners show real grit and get a rare point at Stamford Bridge.

Bob.

113 Comments

  1. Played very well, very unlucky. Up yours Merson ? what is it with Chelsea players getting sent off against us ? Luiz you dirty git

  2. Brilliant tactics by wenger and a good fighting performance of the 11 that played.. sanchez on the bench was the right decision

    1. Sanchez is still about 75%. He is not yet there, but he has to be used today.
      I still think the Kolasanic is better in the middle with Xhaka, if Xhaka plays like he did today.
      Welbeck behind Sanchez…

      Still, 0-0.

    2. If it were Mourinho that pulled a draw in the backyard of a top team….it would be “he got his game plan spot”…” it was genius”. Given we started the season badly…..I will give Wenger thumbs up for this.

    1. A team with bad system like Arsenal require all players to fight hard and possess the ball better. Players like Ozil are more accustomed to better system like Barcelona’s, Real Madrid’s and Bayern’s systems.

      Ozil is not suitable for Arsenal and Arsenal had better use Iwobi or Nelson in his position, as what we have seen today. If Iwobi is given the chance to keep playing as a starter, his skills would flourish.

    2. Defensively, you are spot on. However, everyone seen that Lacazette really did missed Ozil.
      Ah, well, I am just happy we fight like beasts at the bridge, honestly I am a bit proud. A win was deserved but hey, I’ll have bitten your hand for a nil nil before the game. Really buzzing, not because of the score but because of the display we’ve put on.

      1. A poacher needs cleaver through balls. Ozil is that player.

        When we get a full fit Sanchez, Ozil and Lacazette together, this team will score.

        My fear is in the middle and back lines. Needs Kolasanic steel in middle to make the two back lines work well together. He is becoming the leader of the team by example, and he needs a central role.

    3. Ridiculous comment. What exactly did Iwobi do in place of Ozil? Absolutely nothing. Zero creativity, and didn’t add much defensively either. With Ozil we could’ve won the game. Just like we did 3 out of the pass 4 against the same opponent.

      1. Ozil would have probably gone missing like he always does in big matches. But will give him one with a benefit of doubt. Who knows he could have made a difference. In general great cohension and team work. Keep it up lads and get better

  3. Despite the draw, the players showed great battle spirit! Arsenal can battle a better team because they did not have any passenger in the team, everybody worked hard.

    Arsenal really need to get Bellerin’s competitor in January. He used to be smarter and more technical, but now he is just fast.

    Cech was amazing. A more skillful and technical central midfielder is also needed to compete with Ramsey and Xhaka in the next transfer window.

    1. Going to be costly with Sanchez and Ozil leaving for nothing. But, that is life in the EPL with other teams outspending us and making the league unbalanced. We need a RW and defender.

      I think the cheaper option is to get Kolasanic in the middle, and then build the team around him. He is already influencing the younger players, I would think.

      Following another cheaper option is to push Ramsay to the RW, and let him come to the middle as needed when he wants to attack.

      The defense needs a 50M signing as they are too slow against the younger, mobile forwards of today. We have no money from the owners, and it is horrible.

  4. Where are these wa@nkers down voting me saying that Wenger shoudl play whoever wants to be at the Arsenal? bran99 and the likes. Geez, I bet no one seen that one coming. Alexis he must work hisar$se now to break in the first team although Welbeck injury made it easier for him now.

  5. Kolasinac cant cross

    If only we had Mendy

    Mendy would have produce a few decent cross for Giroud to head

    just like for France

    Overall…we did well

    We show steel and determination

    1. if you have seen kolasinac play for schalke you wont say that. he puts in decent crosses..its just wenger asking him to play one-twos with sanchez or welbz or ozil down the left before cutting back. also the reason why bellerin has never learnt how to put in high crosses until now

      1. here’s the guy having inside information from Colney. I guess you were there when Wenger told Kolasinac to play one-twos with Sanchez. Geez, this world is full of wonders.

  6. I would have loved the three points but I really liked the performance today by the squad. They all gave their best, special mentions go out to the entire defence, I think they had a really good game.

    1. I was really fearing a leg break. So so relieved. He’s going to be such a strong part of our season.

    1. They needed to back up the middle and Lacazette was getting tired, still early in the season. Iwobi was playing well too.

    2. Think he struggled today so not unhappy with the sub. Unfortunately welbz got injured early we could see that combination of sanchez and welbz

      1. As someone noted above, Lacazette needed to be fed. Ozil was not there today to feed that pass into the poaching area.

          1. He gave us an indication of this total game today. He can form the spear tip of a spine with Koz-Kolasanic in the middle and back.

            Great teams can control the side of the play too. We are not there yet… too radical an idea, but Wenger will experiment at some point with Kolasanic in the middle, as he is too good to be wasted where he is now.

  7. Very happy with how we played just unfortunate we could not nick it. Good result for us and our away fans were awsome coyg

    1. Hold your horses Burton.

      The side is still missing some key positions to get that far.

      We need a DMF, or we need to convert Kolasanic in the middle to intimidate and boss the other side. He is fierce and inspiring and needs to influence more than one side of the pitch.

      We need a world class RW to play opposite Alexis. Maybe Ramsay should he used there, so he is not a defensive liability.

      Money is a problem, unless Wenger can use his magic and pluck another Sanchez, Ozil or Lacazette.

    1. Ha! Ha! Another Loser Playstation Arsenal “fan” and followers.

      You people are destroying the club.

      Ozil plays his heart out for Arsenal, and those poachers like Lacazette and Sanchez need him.

      With Ozil we win this game 2-0.

  8. Great performance! Could have won it, but i think we’ll all take the point. Koscielny was outstanding and bailed out Mustafa at least twice!

    Two points:
    1) Ramsey is still a liability alongside Xhaka. The first 30 minutes his positioning was all over the place and granted too much space for kante and willian. However, he grew into the game and ended the last 15 mins of the first half well. Would really like ramsey as a no.10 and two more solid players in midfield. Rambo over Ozil in the no. 10 role anyday!

    2) Welbeck/bambi on ice *sighs* as industrious as he is, he really isn’t a striker and is just too injury prone. Its a shame because he’s deserved his starting positions – mainly closing down and putting defence/midfield under pressure.

    1. Please don’t just hate for hating sake, how can u say Ramsey was a liability today? Ramsey tried today his movements were awesome

      1. Ramsay covered ground better. He is still a forward in his head, but not a number 10. So Wenger has a problem. Hopefully, Wenger uses him as a RW and then allow Ramsay to play inside in that role.

        He cannot be counted on to defend, and that is a problem when he in the middle.

        Wenger’s positions make sense if you also understood things like re-signing players. Right now he needs to make his players sign longer term deals. Then they can be sold to teams look for decent home grown players. (Like the Ox!)

    2. You have some decent points.

      But, “Rambo over Ozil in the no. 10 role anyday!” is off the mark.

      And, how many passes to Lacazette did your #10 thread through today?

      Rambo is exactly that, he wade in both hand up and cannot do well enough passing for the final ball. If he gets serious with being a winger, he has the speed and determination to make a difference at RW.

      We should engage analysis like those offered by Ignasi, not just thumb it down.

  9. Brilliant, but also shocking (in a good way)! Just wasn’t expecting that. Very disciplined performance. I’ve been saying it for ages, but drop Ozil for the big games, especially away from home, and look what happens. EVERYONE was pressing aggressively, and working for each other, which Ozil doesn’t do.

    People keep banging on about how much ground Ozil covers, but how much of it is effective? He doesn’t go with runners when a one-two is played around him, and he doesn’t try and win the ball back. He’ll just stand there in front of an opponent, and that’s it! If Ozil walks straight back in the team I’ll be fuming! Fantastic pressing from everyone, and I have to say that Ramsey was excellent! Lacazette had a shocker today, and hopefully that’s out of his system.

    Praise for Wenger as well, but why doesn’t he use these type of tactics more often?

    1. With Ozil we win 2-0. (You do not realize this, but the other coach has someone on Ozil and that means more space for the others. There is no one in the side to have that unseen pass through, and that was problem for us today.

      Defense is best done by attacking them in their half. That is what Wenger did to them today.

      1. Yes and how often have we won 2-0, or by any other scoreline away from home with Ozil? Facts speak for themselves! Also with only 10 men pressing, as opposed to 11 without Ozil, would that not be an advantage to Chelsea? Would that not free up one of their midfielders with no Ozil pressing, and not going with runners?

        1. And, how many poaching #9s have we had to date?

          (Think about the game a bit, and what we have been missing since the capture of RVP.)

  10. it was a great performance.
    if we had more luck we have won it. but why wilshere is not even on the bench. i think he can be used as a substitute at least.

    1. Jack? Jack? Ha! Ha!

      Jack would have squashed by Chelsea. Jack cannot handle a junior side. We can only hope he gets sold soon, after he gets new contract.

      The English core have to go, but Wenger has to be careful in not looking too anxious to sell them. Theo and Jack are next.

  11. An average coach {Wenger} an average team {Arsenal} with a wrong selection of players for the game for the starters …an average position in the table they are not going nowhere this year Wenger out!!!

  12. “I’ve been saying it for ages, but drop Ozil for the big games, especially away from home, and look what happens.”

    Ha! Ha! Another Loser Playstation Arsenal “fan”.

    With Ozil, that was a 2-0 win for us. You have not clue.

    1. How do you know it would be a 2-0 win for Arsenal if Ozil played, brother? Are you God?

      Do not make assumptions, but let Arsenal test Iwobi, Welbeck, Nelson, Ramsey and the others in his position. If they cannot perform better after at least five matches, Arsenal can always put Ozil back. He would be pumped up to regain his position.

  13. Happy with the result and performance
    The players have given me hope for a top 4 finish

    Just wish Wenger had started Alexis

    1. Obsessive sanchez fan, we need ream togetherness not a one man show he came on and lost the ball in a tight situation when a simple pass to a teammate next to him created a problem in our Own half,

      1. Give me a break. Sanchez is still not there physically. Mentally, he is still getting there. If you watched his animated presence in the bench, you know he wants to win.

        We need Sanchez, Lacazette and Ozil to be together. I hope that happens next game or so.

    2. Arsenal girl, NO. NO. NO! iT WAS OBVIOUS TO ALL WHO KNOW FOOTBALL THAT SANCHEZ IS NOT YET 100% FIT,WHEN HE CAME ON. Today, the right eleven started and made us proud.

      1. Is it necessary to SHOUT and be rude?
        Criticism is great, but rudeness sucks.
        Can’t you get your point across without ALL CAPS

        We all support Arsenal don’t we?

  14. Most promising performance for years. This is hw top teams play, when needed. Wonder how that suddenly happened.

  15. we were very good in the first half but not so good in the second.The most frustrating thing was that we created 7 chances in the 1st half but only one in the second.
    Whereas Chelsea had 5 chances in the second half

  16. It was good decision to not to include Ozil… He can open up lower level teams but these games are not meant for Ozil…. We should have won as best chances came to Arsenal’s way… Welbeck and Lacazzate should have made it 2-0… Even if Pedro would have scored still we would won that game… We should regret not capitalizing on our chances…. But it was over all good performance…
    But being Arsenal, they are very unpredictable… We cannot assume that we would win comfortably against West Brom next Monday night… They are very hard to break down and it’s Tony Pulis side who only play with air balls… Corners and Free kicks…
    So we have should not feel any euphoric feeling by this point… This should be happening week in week out…. And Arsene should give chance to players who are hungry for game time not just by their reputation and price tags..

    1. Currently Arsenal players could only produce more touches and be more creative if there is no heavy pressure from a better team. That was why Ozil could only unlock lousier teams’ defenses.

      Those predictable “chances” Arsenal created must stop and they have to improve their system.

      1. You are correct to a point. Top six sides are afraid of Ozil and mark him. That also means more space for others. Right now we do not have an excellent RW to make use of the space. Ox had his chance and could not think his way to deliver the final ball consistently. Bellerin seems to have lost his dribble. Sanchez is still not quite there.

        Ozil in the #10 role, with wingers able to exploit attention to him, would lead to a superb attack.

        MF is weak for now, and back line is good when Koz is healthy.

  17. Wao, mustafi was all over morata today, mustafi is one hell of a defender when in form. I wish we had gotten the 3 points in the bag but am satisfied with this performance if only we could churn out this kind of display everytime we encounter the likes of chelsea and man.united. organized defence, the midfield was alright and ramsey wheew, was a handful for chelsea, really loved his performance today.

    1. Mustafi is good, but Morata is a talent with a temper. I think Mustafi out smarted Morata.

      We need to appreciate Mustafi. He is also fickle. If unappreciated he will want away.

      Fans need to understand player egos like Wenger. Manage our players from a distance with encouragement and support. No point attacking our players, that is dumb.

      We do not have the resources to compete with City, United and Chelsea, so we need to make it up with smarts. We need to be the 12th man everywhere.

  18. No Ozil in big games is the best solution. Now the big challenge is the combination of Xhaka and Ramsey, Wenger needs to find solution on that combination

  19. In the absence of Ozil and Sanches the team were far more secure defensively with Koc outstandingly . The weakness of Mustafi was however very evident and the acquisition of a quality CB and DM remains a priority. In all a very decent performance and let’s hope Welbeck is not too badly injured.

    1. Don’t know what game you were watching. Mustafi had a great game today and with Kos meant the centre of defence was tight and in shape, for once. Your other comments however are all true.

      1. Nice talk but I noticed a switch as d game wore on…mustafi came to d middle leaving kos to d right nd Mon to d left

    2. Mustafi was a beast today….he reason Morata was clueless and useless in the game. The pairing of Mustafi and Kos is still good for us.

  20. where have all are fortune tellers gone with their half arse predictions of total annihilation? we are arsenal not anyone’s whipping boys; today we strut with a deserved swagger, macgregor-like.

  21. Arsene playing a balanced team will give you positive results, especially playing against a big team, over the past years we have continued to use players not suited for certain positions, we actually had a player who used left foot on the left side of the field who got in attacking position, Kolasinac to me was the most important player going forward and defending. Iwobi not the creative genius of Ozil, but could forcible protect the ball with defenders in his back, unlike Walcott and Ozil in the same position.

    OOO, one very important player got injured today, i am hoping he has a speedy return, seem like it was a groin injury, this injury varies in the amount of time need to heal, i am hoping Welbz recover soon.

  22. So proud of the team attitude and fight today. Proves that players with fight , determination and GOOD talent are more useful than players with HUGE talent but little determination and will to fight. I hope Ozil (HUGE TALENT)and Weed Walcott(A SICK JOKE OF A “PLAYER”) are reading this. I have wanted the Weed sold for about a decade already and Ozil is not worth a serious pay rise either. If an Arsenal team can play with this discipline and shape then how and why could the debacle at Liverpool ever happen. Today we proved the ability and will to win IS there and therefore no more Liverpool type embarrassments must ever happen. Slightly surprised to see Ramsey get MOTM, though he was good; for me either BELLERIN or KOSCIELNY , though all played really well and made me think we might , after all, actually make top 3/4. Still some way behind the Two Manc clubs though.

  23. Top performance. Finally played for the shirt and showed some pride.

    Credit where credit is due – top marks to Wenger as he got it spot on and the players did very well.

  24. This squad is FULL of internationals, they SHOULD be doing this every week!
    If I’m not mistaken, every position today was filled with an international squad player.

    There is doubt the club has the talent, just need the manager to keep the ship tight, make good decisions, and properly motivate the squad to play to their best abilities as individual players and as a combined squad on the pitch.

      1. Aha!

        You do also realize that those players need to get back into EPL mode of hateful fans right?

        Imagine, you come back from the glow of national support to be attacked by Playstation fans?

  25. You have to give credit when it’s due. Good tactics. Good team selection. The whole team playing together… now let’s be consistent

  26. To all the Ozil haters out there, I just have one question for you: What did exactly Iwobi do in Ozil’s place? Did he create anything? Was he so dominant in possession? Did he have a great defensive performance? No, no, and no. It annoys the hell out of me when people only judge a player by his body language, and not his contributions. With Ozil on the pitch today, we win the game, simple as that. It was a great team performance, and if we keep playing like that, especially in the back, we have a real shot at challenging for the title. Midfield was pretty solid as well. Eliminate stupid mistakes that we’ve committed plenty of in the past few games, and we’ve got a very strong squad capable of great things.

    1. There is a video on YouTube that shows his clever passes that get wasted by team mates. There are loads and loads of them. Most of them are amazing. There are games where we are playing badly but he is still creating chances or passing amazing balls on and nothing happens from his team mates.

      The Ozil hate is amazing. He is hands down the most gifted player this club has had since Bergkamp. No one has even come close in between.

      1. “The Ozil hate is amazing.”

        Vlad and Buggati: wonderful! Stay around here and do educate Arsenal’s silly Playstaion playing fans. They are lazy and live in their Mum’s and Dad’s home with fantasy games. If they checked what coaches do with game tape, they would learn bit.

        Arsenal need to get rid of the most of the English core. Then get a proper winger able to exploit space. Ox had talent, but no sense. Theo has little skill for this level. Ramsay maybe. To win the EPL we need world class talent at key positions and that costs money.

  27. I thought I’d never utter these words as an Arsenal
    fan but the Gunners are a better side with Ozil
    on the sidelines. The mercurial German is a fantastic playmaker and at times unplayable when
    in the mood but considering his lingering contract situation and recent less than inspiring performances he needs to remain on the bench and moved on in January.

    Arsenal could easily slot Ramsey into the #10 roll and partner Xhaka and El Neny in the middle of the
    pitch. I would personally LOVE to see Wenger bring in a Rabiot type in January but sadly we know how the boss feels about the winter transfer window.

  28. OT: MU-4:Everton-0. Loads of heavy defeats already despite spendings. Anyone still interested in swapping AW for Koeman? Appreciate what you have and suppport your team? Sometimes several tramsfer dealings don’t translate to success. Arsenals free signing “Sead” is already better than many high profile and expensive signings,

  29. Considering the financial implications, one of Sanchez or Ozil has to be sold in January – assuming the other will leave on a free at the end of the season.

    IF we can find any buyer/s for him, I would much rather we sold Ozil and found someone with quality, but a lot more fighting spirit.

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