10 Things We Learned About Arsenal from FA Community Shield Win over Chelsea

Jun 26, 2014; Recife, BRAZIL; Germany defender Per Mertesacker (17) against USA during the 2014 World Cup at Arena Pernambuco. Germany defeated USA 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2014; Recife, BRAZIL; Germany defender Per Mertesacker (17) against USA during the 2014 World Cup at Arena Pernambuco. Germany defeated USA 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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10. Chelsea can be beaten at their own game

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Last year, Chelsea were notorious for getting a lead and sitting on it. It was just their thing. Today, it was Arsenal’s thing. Jose Mourinho even noticed, saying “My opinion is the team that defends very well, that leaves their philosophy in the dressing room, changes their attitude, plays all the second half with nine players in front of the box, doesn’t concede and scores one goal, from that perspective they deserve to win,” (via SkySports).

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While many are calling it a dig at Arsenal, Mourinho really just called it as it was, and it was brilliant. It was pretty clear that this was not the usual Arsenal, and that may have something to do with Alexis not being present and the 4-3-3 formation, but it also has to do with Arsenal being able to sit on leads now.

With Petr Cech at the back and a defense that looked really stout, they got a quick lead and let Chelsea bounce their attack off of our defensive wall. If it works, why not use it?

This loss frustrated Chelsea, not just because Chelsea are not accustomed to losing, let alone to Arsenal, but because Arsenal did exactly what Chelsea had been doing all of last year.

Next: Number 9