Chelsea continued an unbeaten run earlier today with a 1-0 win over their London rivals.
Chelsea dominated the opening stages and were given a helping hand, when Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker, saw red after a last ditch tackle in an attempt to prevent Costa from going straight through on goal. Five minutes later Costa got the games first and only goal after a magnificent cross from Branislav Ivanovic, picked Costa out in the box, who slotted the ball past ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech.
Here are four things we have learnt from today’s game.
Cesc Fabregas has rediscovered his magic hat: The Spaniard received a lot of hate from the Arsenal faithful, but showed them who’s boss after running the show against his former side. Fabregas completed 102 touches, had an 84.3% pass success, he had 2 shots, had 5 takes on completed, 6 tackles won, 12 balls recovered, 3 crosses completed and 6 long balls completed.
Kurt Zouma is a defensive wall: Throughout a tough season in the Premier league our young defender has been a shining light in a dark tunnel. Zouma showed yet again why he is one of the best centre-backs in the league. Keeping Giroud at bay whilst he was on the pitch, he made some great interceptions and clearances, including in important block where Courtois fumbled the cross, leading the ball into the path of several Arsenal players with the Frenchman blocking a clear goal.
Diego Costa is hungrier than ever: Another game, another goal for the Spaniard as he makes it 5 in 5 under Hiddink. In today’s match the Brazilian-born Spaniard had a 92% pass accuracy, won 50% of his aerial battles, only had 3 shots, 1 successful take on and managed to bag himself the only goal of the game.
Chelsea love pinching a 1-0: Throughout our title winning campaign, we would attempt to kill off a game by defending, and it’s evident that it’s still the case. Instead of going for a second, we wasted many chances, and were left packed in our own box from the 70th minute onwards. It’s a risky plan but it has worked out on this occasion but may not work on future occasions.
