We did it. It was a perfect day. A first trophy under Arteta, qualification for the Europa League and witnessing Chelsea players with faces like smacked arses at full time. Truly a beautiful sight to behold. I think we fully deserved the win as we outplayed Chelsea for the majority of the game. We were slow out of the blocks but once we got into our stride, Chelsea couldn't compete.
Admittedly, Chelsea started far brighter and went one nil up through Pulisic early on. It was a nice finish but so easily avoidable. Poor from the midfield as they put no pressure on the ball and then couldn’t intercept the pass that went through the line. Even worse from Holding as he gave Mount so much unnecessary room when the pass was slid through. You could argue Tierney could be better in the tackle but understandably he didn't want to give away a soft penalty. Pulisic dinks it over Martinez and their bright start has resulted in a goal. It was now up to us to respond and that we did.
We improved drastically after the goal and our hard work was rewarded when we won a penalty midway through the first half. It was very poor from the ageing Azpilicueta who was on the wrong side of Aubameyang following a hopeful ball over the top. There was definitely a case for a red card but I can understand why it was only a yellow. Rudiger was covering when Aubameyang was brought down in the box. Had he been fouled outside, I think it would have been a clear red. Obviously the captain was to take and he converted with an unstoppable penalty. Back on level terms and back in the game.
In the second half, our superiority over Chelsea was clear for all to see, We were passing with real purpose and our front three, especially Pepe, were looking very dangerous. It was Pepe who got the assist for Aubameyang's second with some nice footwork followed by a pass to leave Aubameyang one on one with Zouma. It wasn’t great from Zouma. He planted his feet and got sold by a dummy. Aubameyang shifted it on to his left and produced a classy chip over the onrushing Caballero. Our pressure had paid off and Chelsea were in the mud.
It got worse for Chelsea when they were reduced to 10 men. Kovacic was sent off for a second bookable offence. It was never a second yellow but I don’t care. It’s about time we got some luck from referees. Full marks to Xhaka making a massive meal out of it. Top class shithousery.
Chelsea didn’t really look like scoring after that and next thing you know it was full time. A much needed win for Arsenal. A real statement that shows we’re going in the right direction. If we give Arteta the resources to get the right players in and sell the deadwood, then we’ll be competing again. That's an article for another day.
Standout performers today were Ceballos and Pepe. Ceballos was immense in midfield, looking to drive the team on wherever possible. I don’t want to jump on the passion brigade but watching him celebrate the winning goal showed how much winning meant to him. I’m desperate for us to sign him permanently. Pepe was also very good and looked a real thorn in Chelsea's side when he went forward. I think he’s really gonna push on next season and become a real quality player.
Aubameyang showed just how important he is to Arsenal. Without his goals, I’m not sure where we’d be. I think he’s going to sign a new contract. He strikes me as someone who believes in Arteta's vision and they look like they got on like two peas in a pod. Hopefully, it’ll be done sooner rather than later to avoid speculation and so we focus on other targets.
Quick player ratings-
Martinez 8
Holding 6
Luiz 7
Tierney 7
Bellerin 7
Ceballos 9
Xhaka 7
Maitland Niles 7
Pepe 9
Lacazette 7
Aubameyang 9
Quick side note on the future of this blog, I have some ideas for what to write about during the off-season regarding Arsenal. I may write some other bits on football but we’ll see. I’ll see you when you're older.
JH
Another good review by Jonathan looking forward to see more in the future