Arsenal defeated Chelsea 3-1, but my question is, “Who didn’t expect that?”
After being winless in their previous four games, Arsenal had a good chance of winning again against a lacklustre Chelsea, and that’s what they did. Arteta and his team have dropped nine points in three successive draws and a loss to Manchester City, putting them at a disadvantage in the title race.
But whether they are title favourites or not, the Gunners want to finish the season on a high note, and their win over Chelsea indicated that. So, what was Arsenal’s turning point Tuesday night?
1. Leandro Trossard starting
Trossard is Arsenal’s winning charm. Many have been disappointed that he hasn’t been starting and are grateful that he did Tuesday night, even if it was at the expense of Martinelli, who has also been delivering week after week. Despite not providing an assist, the Belgian was heavily involved in creating the goals; his directness added another edge to Arsenal’s attack.
2. Dropping Partey
Thomas Partey hasn’t performed in recent weeks; he needed to be removed from the firing line. Arsenal have traditionally struggled without him, but Arteta gave Jorginho a chance against Chelsea. Jorginho was spectacular. From the middle of the pack, the former Blues player commanded the play, demonstrating to his old teammates what they were missing. He had the most touches (77), won possession more frequently (9 times), and completed more passes (63 times) than any other Arsenal player.
3. Jakub Kiwior’s introduction
Rob Holding couldn’t have started against Chelsea after his disastrous performance against Manchester City. Arteta had to bench him, which he gladly did, giving Jakub Kiwior his first league start. The ex-Spezia player was good. He made Aubameyang a passenger in Chelsea’s attack, ensuring the ex-Gunner didn’t see much of the ball. Aubamayeng’s return to Arsenal was a complete failure, with only nine touches in the game, four of which came at the start. At halftime, he had to be subbed off….
4. Perfect timing for subs
Arteta got the substitutes right for the first time in forever. He replaced Leandro Trossard early in the second half with Gabriel Martinelli, who continued to press. He would eventually bring in Reiss Nelson, who has also been outstanding this season.
These were all excellent choices from Arteta, but do you think he should have tried these changes a few games earlier?
Darren N
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A happy Arteta enjoys great win over Chelsea – “We are still top with four games to go!”
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Think Saka needs a rest his form has been poor last few games would play trossard he’s been brilliant since he joined and deserves to be a starter!
Saka is in the red zone as was demonstrated by his failure to track back with Chilwell on 2/3 occasions which made White look vulnerable and needed Ramsdale to preserve our one goal lead with a terrific save.It would seem Arteta cannot see past Saka who is a terrific player who would be even more effective if he wasn’t stuck out on the right wing all game where his attacking intentions have become too predictable.
Maybe some of those squad rotation players should’ve played against Southampton, but we can’t retrieve those lost points
I still think Kiwior is more suited to the left CB position, because his aerial ability isn’t as good as Saliba’s and Holding’s. The rotation was required to make our players confident again
Kiwior did show that two naturally right footed centre backs can play together though, so he’s a very good back up to both Saliba and Gabriel and I believe able to play alongside either one. He looked good in the air too.
I’m just concerned because he struggled in aerial duels sometimes in the game
I think the stronger foot doesn’t matter in Saliba’s position, because he stays behind Magalhaes and White when we have the ball. But our sweeper CB should win most aerial battles, otherwise a powerful CF like Haaland, Toney and Lukaku could bully him
GB, Kiwior is stronger on his left foot.
Yes, and I stand corrected on Trossard – I never rated him but he had a great game. Dead on the money about Partey, he’s good but too unreliable. Jorginho too impressed, another one I didn’t rate. Good to see Reiss Nelson on but again he’s not 100% dependable. You didn’t mention Jesus, I can’t believe how he was allowed to play the full 90. Zinchenko had a few wobbles – is he really a defender? Would like to have seen Smith Rowe in there. Odegaarde needs to form a partnership, preferably with him.
I liked the decision to drop underperformers, as no one should be guaranteed a start in the lineup.
Saka needed a rest, as his performances over the last several matches have seen him drop off.
Jorginho did great, it was a good opportunity to drop Partey and hopefully send a message. Wish the Southampton match took a similar turn.
Looking forward to Newcastle needs to see a couple more changes. Zinchenko at LB will get roasted defensively, so I hope he is replaced by Tierney.
Maybe start Zinchenko in CM and have Xhaka come on later, however I don’t think Arteta will make changes at LB.
It was good to finally see a reaction and then to see the incomers playing very well. But our two best players on the pitch Odegaard and Xhaka equally had a run of bad form before this match. Not to mention Zinchenko Ramsdale Gabriel could all have been touted for replacement had we the squad to do it, so I wouldn’t be too harsh on the players who did bite the bullet, we only have a squad that can replace certain players. I was surprised though that Martinelli was one for the drop, my guess would have been Trossard playing the false nine roles again, but it was a good call by Arteta Trossard as ever looked very dangerous. Oh yeah, and I would have liked to see some change in the other home game v Sou, after that second capitulation I believe Holding should have been removed along with a few others
Yes but in the same vein,MØ and Xhaka might have impacted by a poor TP?and that by bringing Trossard back helped them?
Arteta needs to trust Smith Rowe more. Look at this guy at the end of last season. Amazing. At list far better than Fabio Viera
I approved the changes,by the way is it me or this scenario reminds of last season.once again it took several games,poor performances from certain players for MA to make changes?I don’t know about you but I’d rather have an in-form Jorginho than out of form,tired…TP.
@ Siamosis
Agree with you on J against TP. But for the next game, we need a double pivot so both play in the centre to protect the defence in a 3-4-3 with the centre 4 being: White, Partey, Jorginho and OZ. Back 3 being Gabriel, Kiwior or Holding and Tierney.
Front 3 of Trossard/Odegaard with Saka and Martinelli.
FINALLY! You can force the horse to the water, but can’t force him to drink. Stubborn? Yes. A bit too late? Certainly. But it’s better to be late than never.
Kudos to the gaffer!
Yes he had, sticking to his favorites cost us our edge over MC. Above all, Ziny and Thomas should have been replaced much earlier or should not have been in the starting line-up at all. The inability to react to the development of the match – both FCL and WHU – was a stumbling block. Not reacting to the development of the match is, in my opinion, MA’s biggest weakness.
The subs were made with the tough Newcastle trip in mind. Arteta always done that throughout the season when in commanding lead. No surprise there. With Newcastle running rampage in the North lately, everyone might think Arteta will go defensive. I don’t think so. Early pressure and complete control is the way to beat them. I’m sure Martinelli and Partey will start.