Match Report: Chelsea outmuscled by Arsenal in 2-1 defeat at the Emirates

Chelsea were beaten 2-1 by Arsenal at the Emirates in an ugly game.

Almost as a summary of where the two sides are at this season, Chelsea played well at times and ended with nothing because of poor set piece defending and a stupid red card. Meanwhile the Gunners offered very little, but took advantage of corners and their physical dominance to keep Chelsea at bay.

The first half started with Robert Sanchez, who has had a good season, back to his nervy worst. Jorrel Hato, filling in at left back, was infected by the jitters emanating from his keeper, and they conspired to give the ball away multiple times with overly casual play.

Arsenal didn’t capitalise, but those moments undermined a promising start by Chelsea on the ball. The Blues were finding space and creating chances – only to concede the first corner they faced.

That took the wind out of their sails, but they gradually battled back and scored a corner of their own to make it level at the break. The second half followed a similar pattern – Chelsea played better, but Arsenal got the corner goal to go ahead again. There was still time for Liam Rosenior’s team to level again, but two moments of utter stupidity in three minutes saw winger Pedro Neto pick up two yellow cards, and his dismissal killed any real chance of a comeback, despite the Blues creating late chances as Arsenal repeatedly failed to kill the game.

MOTM – Reece James

Analysis

Chelsea continued to confuse with another mixed performance that combined nice play with painful errors. They had more possession and perhaps better chances than the Gunners, but let themselves down by conceding two corners and getting yet another crazy red card.

The only positive that could come from blowing another game in such pathetic fashion would be the team finally get to grips with their discipline problem – but we’ve been saying that for a while now.

After three games without picking up three points, the Blues’ Champions League hopes are fading fast, and Wednesday’s game against Aston Villa is now a must win.

Teams

Stats

Quote of the game

“I think it’s clear where our strengths are and I think it’s clear to everyone what we need to improve on.” – Liam Rosenior keeps it simple post game.