Chelsea 1 Arsenal 2
Posted by Up The Arse on December 2, 2008
I wasn’t at all sure what to expect for this one. Consecutive defeats to Villa and City ensured our confidence would be shot but on the other hand, despite some indifferent Premier League form, we had recently turned up and beaten Manchester United in a game I had expected us to lose, maybe even heavily. I thought hard about how it would turn out and decided a draw the most likely of outcomes, as we were after all at the Bridge. Some were less optimistic but I knew we’re always up for it against the big teams, irrelevant of recent form.
The opening 10/15 minutes showed we lacked confidence and had me a little on the nervous side but we grew into the game as it went along and come the next fifteen, up until Chelsea’s equaliser, it was I would say an evenly matched game. Right on cue Almunia misplaces a quick throw, Chelsea win possession, a cross comes flying in and Djourou fires it in to the wrong net. More fault with Almunia there than Djourou. Sky commentators and pundits suggest Almunia had no reason to attempt the quick throw with Chelsea players still in our area but he was obviously trying to spark a counter attack and just got the throw a little off key. It happens. Despite Chelsea having one shot on target he had a bit of a shaky game and made some unnecessary punches too. Djourou though didn’t let it get to him and recovered accordingly to have himself a good game.
Chelsea then enjoyed the share of possession though failed to capitalise on it. They didn’t trouble us too much as the one shot on target all game statistic proves. Robin Van Persie is presented with a chance in the 59th minute and fires home. It’s later shown to be offside in the replay but I don’t care so much, we were due some luck, certainly. Not long later and RVP pops up again with another good finish, this time onside and it’s 2-1.
Chelsea may claim they were unlucky in this fixture given the offside but despite that, they must be disappointed at how they failed to pose any real threat to us after we went ahead. At home and knowing Arsenal struggle at times to hold onto a lead they should have done more but we held on comfortably and almost knocked in a third. Scolari complained afterward that the offside killed his players. Well then I’d question the mental strength of such players myself. The referee wasn’t pro Arsenal anyway, Ivanovic was very luck not to receive two yellows and Terry made a two footed challenge out of frustration late on that could have seen him shown red.
As a Chelsea fan you may have something to complain about but I’d be more concerned with your lack of ability to threaten at home and practically concede defeat with a fair while of the game to go. They’ll also be worried about their record against the top four this season (2 home defeats, 1 draw.)
Does this mean we can win the title still? Maybe and a slim maybe at that. Looking at the rest of the top three there are frailties there and there’s the potential for a good December, the challenges of which comes in Villa away and Liverpool at home before we get to January where I expect Wenger to strengthen the squad with a defensive midfielder which will make a world of difference, believe me. Our problems aren’t that deep. It’s still possible, we’re not completely out of the race but it’s tough, especially considering there’s another three teams in that race.
Plymouth argyle in the FA Cup third round at home 3rd/4th Jan weekend. Should play the kids and win that game, might even pop along for it.
Burnley tonight in the Carling Cup, set to play the youngsters again which is no surprise. Vela for another hat-trick?
