Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea Review – A corner turned… by SB
In the end, when it all happened, it looked like it was simply inevitable. The law of averages was bound to catch up with Jose Mourinho at some point but even the most ardent supporters of Arsene Wenger wouldn’t have predicted that this year Community Shield would be that turning point.
When the final whistle blew at the Wembley, it marked the end of one of the biggest hoodoos for Le Prof. In his previous 13 attempts, he came unstuck against the Blues manager. Mourinho always makes it a point to talk about his hold on Wenger and how he comes up on top of him every time.
This was supposed to happen but what made it more special was that it happened at Wembley. The grander setting of the stadium and the comments from the Blues’ boss before the game made the win more memorable for Wenger. Mourinho never shies from any slightest opportunity to get under the skin of the Gunners’ boss.
There have been times in this 11 year hoodoo when it looked like Mourinho enjoyed irking Wenger with his words as much as enjoying the wins against him. This loss is sure to deeply annoy the Portuguese big mouthand the first signs are already there – throwing the medal sums up the day for Mourinho.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain showed what can be expected for the upcoming season with his winning goal. The challenge for him is to replicate this over the entire season. It is the same for the entire squad. If they can replicate what they did at Wembley in the weekend over the entire season of 38 games, Wenger will have seen another of his hoodoo broken.
Another interesting facet is the display of the side after the goal. The team sacrificed its attacking instincts settling down to defend with great intent. The midfield played with great skill and linked together with great verve. It looked as if the team wanted to send a message out to Mourinho and the entire Chelsea contingent. And they were able to send out a strong messageas they beat the Blues using Mourinho’s own tactics.
The match will also be remembered for being the first time Petr Cech played his former club in Arsenal colors. Coming out on top must have been sweet for the goalkeeper who is a consummate professional, but for us Gooners it is a corner turned and will increase our confidence for the new season.
COYG!
Sridhar