Digging deep: Chelsea vs. Arsenal Review & Player Ratings

Although it took a rather freak goal for Arsenal to claim three points on Wednesday night against Chelsea, this sort of performance is becoming quite familiar.

During the twilight years of Arsene Wenger’s reign at The Emirates, Arsenal lacked both the quality and tactical astuteness to pull of this sort of result. For years, Arsenal were associated with words like “soft” and “spineless”, and for good reason; a record against the so-called ‘big six’ that was envied by no one, with harrowing 8–2 defeats against Manchester United and a 6–0 thrashing against Chelsea on Wenger’s 1,000 game in charge.

As memories of the defensive quality brimming in The Invicibles squad faded, only a glimmer of hope was seen for years.

18 January 2015. An Arsenal squad featuring Santi Cazorla, Alexis Sanchez and Francis Coquelin claimed a battling 2–0 victory at The Etihad Stadium against Manchester City. With 50 clearances, 22 tackles, 3 shots on target and just 35.3% possession, Arsenal had found a way to win against the best; by playing with pragmatism.

In the end, this outlier was indeed just that; an outlier. Arsenal under Wenger would fail to deliver this sort of result demonstrating flexibility and adaptability on a regular basis.

Arsenal under Arteta however are bucking this trend. Arsenal made 37 clearances, 14 tackles, had 2 shots on target and earned 32.3% possession on Wednesday night. This sounds rather familiar?

For the first time in 17 seasons, Arsenal have claimed a deserved domestic double over their south London rivals, with the victory last evening following a comprehensive 3–1 victory in December 2020 at The Emirates.

And the sort of defensive robustness and grit Arsenal fans witnessed is becoming more and more apparent. Mikel Arteta, arguably, has a squad that is of similar quality to Arsene Wenger’s in his latter seasons in charge, but Arteta is demonstrating the pragmatism Wenger did not, to good effect.

Take the substitution of Olivier Giroud on the 65th minute for example. The ex-Arsenal forward, replacing the underwhelming Kai Havertz, came on with the aim of becoming the focal point and target man for Chelsea’s crosses. Arsenal, who had up until that point played out from the back for most of the game, immediately switched tactics and went long, right from the first goal kick Bernd Leno made after the substitution. It was a switch that nullified the Frenchman’s threat for the vast majority of the game (barring the rebound shot against the bar he would later make) and would help deliver the three points.

Last season during ‘Project Restart’, Arsenal came from behind at home to beat the then champions Liverpool 2–1 after falling 1–0 down. Going behind twice at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal would claim a point with 10 men against Chelsea in a 2–2 draw. They would go on to beat Chelsea again in the FA Cup Final. This season, Arsenal once again came from behind to beat Spurs 2–1.

During his short tenure in charge, Mikel Arteta has claimed victories over each of the ‘big six’. This is not by chance, but by skill.

Last week, after the extremely disappointing end to the club’s Europa League campaign, I wrote about how Arteta’s philosophies and culture is starting to feed through, and the removal of the now manager would be a mistake. Last night’s performance would have done the Spaniard’s stock the world of good.

Every Arsenal fan will now hope that financial support from the polarising owners KSE over the summer will arm Arteta with a squad to execute his plan on a more consistent basis. A fascinating summer is ahead.

Player Ratings

Bernd Leno (GK): 8

Saved from Mount and forced Havertz to shoot high in the first half. An excellent save to deny Zouma’s header in the second. Still very much Arsenal’s number one.

Pablo Mari (DEF): 7

Was caught out by Havertz leading to his guilt-edge chance, but recovered well. Growing into this Arsenal backline, but his lack of speed remains an issue. Doubt he will keep his place in an Arsenal back four.

Rob Holding (DEF): 8

Continuing to show why Arsenal rewarded him with a new contract. Collected on the ball and authoritative throughout. Long may it continue.

Gabriel (DEF): 7

The quality he showed at the start of the season has somewhat faded. No real mistakes, but failing to demonstrate the attacking threat he previously has. Still most likely to be Arsenal’s long-term centre back option.

Kieran Tierney (DEF): 7

Made the occasional burst down the left wing but to very little avail given Arsenal’s deep setup. A world-class quality, if he can stay fit.

Bukayo Saka (DEF): 6

Deployed as a right wing-back, as a testament to his versatility, but it didn’t quite work. Caught out on a few occasions most notably when he tried to let a ball run out. Future definitely lies further up the field.

Thomas Partey (MID): 8

The sort of performance Arsenal bought him for. In an open first half, he pulled the strings in midfield with some lovely faints, and in the second, he become more anonymous as he marshalled the back line. A harsh yellow-card for simulation the only blot on his record.

Mohamed Elneny (MID): 7

Arsenal’s prodigal son. Works harder than anyone else on the pitch, with a stamina that is truly remarkable, and was often found closing down Chelsea’s defensive duo right up until the final whistle. Deployed for his defensive skills, and delivered the team’s clean sheet.

Martin Odegaard (MID): 7

Bright in the first half, but faded in the second as Arsenal’s tactical pragmatism worked against him.

Emile Smith Rowe (ATT): 9

Quality beyond his years. Scored the goal to give Arsenal the win, and worked tirelessly in an attacking sense to trouble Chelsea’s defence. His dribbles at times are reminiscent of a certain Belgian who used to walk the streets of Chelsea. Man of the match.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ATT): 7

Like Odegaard, his attacking threat became a ‘victim’ to Arsenal’s defence approach. Was often found sitting in front of Arsenal’s nine other outfield players in his own half. Showed excellent proactivity to foresee where Kepa would push the stray Jorginho ball to, and quality to square to Smith Rowe for the deciding goal.