Two defeats from their first two games is not a start Arsenal manager Unai Emery would have wanted. Granted, the fixture computer has not been their friend, as their first two games were home to Manchester City and away to Chelsea. Arsenal’s 3-2 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday may put the Gunners fourth from bottom in the league, but there were several positives to take along with the same underlying problems.
What Could Have Been
When Arsenal went 2-0 down after 20 minutes, you feared for them, as on previous trips to Stamford Bridge they had wilted after a bad start, which led to heavy demoralizing defeats. It is to Arsenal’s credit to fight back to score two goals in quick succession through Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Alex Iwobi, showing character but also grit while under the frantic guises of Emery on the touchline. On another day the Gunners could have so easily won the game had Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Mkhitaryan and Iwobi not spurn clear cut chances.
Guendouzi Impressive Once Again
Matteo Guendouzi once again was impressive in only his second league start against quality opposition. His passing was composed and was brave in his tackling – his desperate challenge on Eden Hazard denied a likely one on one with Petr Cech. The wild haired Frenchman outshone his fellow midfield compatriot Granit Xhaka who was booked for a rash challenge and substituted at half time for Lucas Torreria. Match by match does Guendouzi show he can be a stalwart in this team.
Errors Costs Arsenal Yet Again
Arsenal shot themselves in the foot once again with their lacklustre defending. Chelsea’s three goals stemmed from slack defending that could have easily been avoided. Right back Hector Bellerin was ballwatching when Marcos Alonso slipped past him to collect Jorginho’s raking pass. A simple square ball to a unmarked Pedro and Arsenal were 1-0 down. Chelsea’s 2nd goal came from a simple ball over the top – moments after Aubameyang missed a golden chance to equalise – with Alvaro Morata shrugging off Shkodran Mustafi and slotting the ball past Cech.
Chelsea’s winner deep in the second half came from substitute Alexandre Lacazette giving the ball away, his hold up play letting him down with a errant pass, before compounding his error by letting Hazard breeze past him. It led to Hazard’s cross being converted by Alonso who steered the ball between Cech’s legs. Mistakes such as this rarely go unpunished by opposition like Chelsea and will hurt Arsenal’s fortunes this season if it continues.
Emery Laying Down The Law
As said earlier Granit Xhaka didn’t performed well and was replaced at half time. What was a surprise was Emery taking off Mesut Ozil midway through the second half. The decision was the right one but Arsene Wenger never substituted Ozil when he put in a substandard performance. It was a refreshing difference, which shows that Emery will replace players who don’t perform, whether it is Granit Xhaka or Mesut Ozil. It could be beneficial for Ozil who could use this to up his game and prove the critics wrong. Time will tell.
Looking Ahead
Now Arsenal have faced Manchester City and Chelseaa their season can truly begin at home to West Ham on Saturday. A victory is a must for the Gunners, as it can kickstart their season, especially with a favourable fixture list up until late October. Arsenal on paper should win most of these games but last season fell to several underwhelming defeats to the so called lesser teams. The goodwill of fans towards Emery will continue if they can win the majority of their next eight league games. However, if they fall to disappointing defeats, that goodwill can easily turn into animosity.
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