Arsenal Vs Chelsea: 5 things we learned – Back from the brink
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 21: David Luiz of Arsenal walks off after receiving a red card during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on January 21, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
4. Mikel Arteta hands are tied
Mikel Arteta has made great progress in his first few weeks as Arsenal head coach. There is a greater intensity in the pressing, clearer structure and organisation in defence, and a smarter plan of action in possession. But for all of the plans that he has made — or attempted to make — there is only so much these players can do.
Whether it be relying on a teenage winger playing out of position at left-back or a hapless centre-half partnership with two error-prone veterans, or a central midfield consisting of two immobile options. There are personnel deficiencies all over the pitch, and while Arteta’s work has been positive and shown progress, there is only so much a manager can do.
Obviously, the injuries and suspensions are problematic. The top goalscorer, two left-backs, a centre-back, all of them starters or crucial back-ups. And when you are dealing with a squad that has serious weaknesses already, it is unsurprising to see these shortcomings surface. Arteta has much work to do, yes, but he also needs a lot more help.
Arsenal shot themselves in the foot, twice, and still managed to snatch a draw from their treacherous trip to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea dominated the early proceedings, opened the goalscoring after David Luiz’s foul and sending off, and looked on their way to a serene victory. And then the Gunners did what they so rarely have done before: they fought. They battled, scrapped, worked relentlessly, and stole a point thanks to two goals from two shots.</p>
<h2><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/21/arsenal-vs-chelsea-5-things-learned-back-brink/2/"https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/pain-in-the-arsenal-podcast-on-arsenal-fc/id1314514440?ign-mpt=uo%3D4%26amp%3Buo%3D4&mt=2%22>Listen to the latest Episode of the Pain In The Arsenal Podcast here!—The Rebuild 2.0</a></h2>
<p>Here are five things we learned from<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/21/arsenal-vs-chelsea-5-things-learned-back-brink/2/"https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51101529"> the 2-2 draw</a>.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 21: Hector Bellerin embraces Gabriel Martinelli and Lucas Torreira of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on January 21, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>5. What heart; what character</h4>
<p>As Granit Xhaka said in his post-match interview with<em> BT Sport</em>, in this scrappy 2-2 draw with a man and goal disadvantage, he and his Arsenal teammates showed what so many people have doubted they possess: heart and character.</p>
<p>Man for man, Arsenal were tireless. Xhaka throwing his head into challenges at centre-back, Bukayo Saka throttling Callum Hudson-Odoi after a tricky opening 20 minutes, Hector Bellerin scoring upon his return from injury after an excellently hard-working performance at right-back, Lucas Torreira running around like his hair was on fire in midfield.</p>
<p>There was little quality, admittedly. Arsenal only had two shots and created very little bar the two goals, which, in and of themselves, came from nothing. They did not play attractive football, this was not a neat and tidy performance. It was scrappy, it was ugly, it was dirty, and it was nothing short of brilliant.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/21/arsenal-vs-chelsea-5-things-learned-back-brink/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 4. Mikel Arteta hands are tied </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 21: David Luiz of Arsenal walks off after receiving a red card during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on January 21, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>4. Mikel Arteta hands are tied</h4>
<p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/21/arsenal-vs-chelsea-5-things-learned-back-brink/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=mikel+arteta%22>Mikel Arteta</a> has made great progress in his first few weeks as Arsenal head coach. There is a greater intensity in the pressing, clearer structure and organisation in defence, and a smarter plan of action in possession. But for all of the plans that he has made — or attempted to make — there is only so much these players can do.</p>
<p>Whether it be relying on a teenage winger playing out of position at left-back or a hapless centre-half partnership with two error-prone veterans, or a central midfield consisting of two immobile options. There are personnel deficiencies all over the pitch, and while Arteta’s work has been positive and shown progress, there is only so much a manager can do.</p>
<p>Obviously, the injuries and suspensions are problematic. The top goalscorer, two left-backs, a centre-back, all of them starters or crucial back-ups. And when you are dealing with a squad that has serious weaknesses already, it is unsurprising to see these shortcomings surface. Arteta has much work to do, yes, but he also needs a lot more help.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/21/arsenal-vs-chelsea-5-things-learned-back-brink/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 3. Welcome back, Hector Bellerin </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 21: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on January 21, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>3. Welcome back, Hector Bellerin</h4>
<p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/21/arsenal-vs-chelsea-5-things-learned-back-brink/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=hector+bellerin%22>Hector Bellerin</a> may have made his official return from his ACL tear earlier in the season, but after a setback with a hamstring, which is a common issue with ACL injuries, this felt like his true return to the team. And what a return it was.</p>
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<p>Playing in his now under-threat right-back position, Bellerin defended stoutly, sticking with Willian well throughout until the Brazilian was withdrawn late on. He made several excellent interventions, especially with some timely slide tackles, and he tracked runners at the far post when crosses came in from the opposite side. And then he did that, yes, that.</p>
<p>Now playing as a winger after Nicolas Pepe was withdrawn, Bellerin found himself on the edge of the penalty area with two defenders in front of him. He dummied a move down the line, cut inside, bought himself a yard of space, and thought, ‘why not?’ And boy, was he right to do so.</p>
<p>Bellerin curled a lovely shot into the far corner, around the Chelsea defender in front of him, past the outstretched hand of the helpless Kepa, and into the far corner of the goal. Deserved? No. Does anyone care? Absolutely not. Welcome back, Hector Bellerin.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/21/arsenal-vs-chelsea-5-things-learned-back-brink/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 2. Shkodran Mustafi not to blame </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 21: Tammy Abraham of Chelsea goes past Bernd Leno of Arsenal leading up to a foul by David Luiz during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on January 21, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>2. Shkodran Mustafi not to blame</h4>
<p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/21/arsenal-vs-chelsea-5-things-learned-back-brink/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=shkodran+mustafi%22>Shkodran Mustafi</a> made the crucial error of the match, under hitting a horrible backpass that left Bernd Leno stranded and David Luiz with no choice to haul down Tammy Abraham in the penalty area and face the consequences, a red card and a penalty kick, which Jorginho duly converted. However, while he is obviously the man responsible for this specific moment of madness, Mustafi is not to blame for the impact it had.</p>
<p>The blame rests on those building the squad. It has been quite evident that Mustafi simply is not good enough to play for a top-six Premier League team for some time. These type of high-profile errors are nothing new. He has committed them with painful frequency for many years. And yet, Arsenal have persisted with him as a key centre-back in their squad.</p>
<p>There are lots of reasons for this, from Arsene Wenger’s blind faith to the club’s arrogance in their valuation of the player meaning they would accept nothing but the deplorable £35 million they paid to sign him, but ultimately the result is quite clear: Mustafi remains in the team despite not nearly being good enough. And this result is costing Arsenal time and time again.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/21/arsenal-vs-chelsea-5-things-learned-back-brink/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 1. Gabriel Martinelli the superstar </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 21: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal scores his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on January 21, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>1. Gabriel Martinelli the superstar</h4>
<p>Well, the 2019/20 season has not been kind to Arsenal. Hapless performances, a need to rebuild the squad, replacing the manager, and a growing dissonance between the supporters, the players and the club. All have abounded throughout. But if there is one shining positive to hang your hat on, <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/21/arsenal-vs-chelsea-5-things-learned-back-brink/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=gabriel+martinelli%22>Gabriel Martinelli</a> is it.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
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<p>Signed from the depths of Brazilian football for £6 million, Martinelli arrived as a teenager and immediately set about shocking the world. He flourished in preseason, produced dazzling displays in the Europa League and EFL Cup, and is now showing what he can do against some of the best teams in the Premier League.</p>
<p>Martinelli was the best player on the pitch. His goal was phenomenal, driving forward 67 yards in total, bursting away from the Chelsea midfield, skipping past N’Golo Kante, and then wonderfully sliding a composed finish past the stranded Kepa. His overall work was superb. He was tireless out of possession, determined with it, and the primary offensive throughout.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Arsenal Vs Chelsea: Player ratings" data-url="https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/21/arsenal-vs-chelsea-player-ratings-word-gabriel-martinelli/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/21/arsenal-vs-chelsea-5-things-learned-back-brink/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/21/arsenal-vs-chelsea-player-ratings-word-gabriel-martinelli/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Arsenal Vs Chelsea: Player ratings </a> </div>
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<p>Martinelli is a superstar in the here and now, nevermind in the future. And he is still only 18 years of age. My word, this boy is special.</p><!—pageview_candidate—></p>">
