Arsenal: Chelsea Embody Everything They Need To Be

Chelsea dismantled Arsenal on Saturday in ruthless fashion. Antonio Conte’s side are everything that Arsene Wenger must mould his own into.

Perhaps the biggest lesson learned from Arsenal’s disastrous 3-1 dismantling at the hands of league leaders Chelsea was the state of the title race. The Blues are now12 points clear of the Gunners, and after Spurs one-goal win over Middlesbrough, nine points clear of the closest challenger. That is a formidable gap, one that will likely not be overturned.

Of the other conclusions to be drawn, much of them focus on the brilliance of the victors and the tedious and tautological toils of their visitors. Under Antonio Conte, Chelsea have established a style that is immediately recognisable; disciplined defensively, diligent and destructive in midfield and devastating on the counter.

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What is especially praiseworthy of Conte and his side is their willingness to adapt to their opponent. Gary Neville was scathing in his assessment of Arsenal’s display during commentary. What he was particularly pejorative about was Arsene Wenger’s seemingly unwillingness to set up his team primarily to stifle the opponent. He is stubborn and unwavering towards his own team’s approach, no matter the calibre or the character of their opposition.

Chelsea, on the other hand, are primarily stationed to do exactly that; stifle. The midfield pairing of Nemanja Matic and N’Golo Kante are prime pieces of evidence of Conte’s style. Despite the duo’s distribution being far more accurate and forward thining than many would attribute to their games, their primary task is to provide a shiled for the back-three, allowing the attacking talents of Pedro and Eden Hazard to roam free without being shackled with defeinsive duties.

Contrast that to the midfield of the Gunners. Although injuries and suspensions forced Wenger’s hand in terms of personnel – Granit Xhaka was a particular key absentee given his defensive nous and physical presence – their approach was naive and innocent, unaware of the dangers that Chelsea posed, especially on the counter attack.

It was the approach of Arsenal that was so frustrating to witness. Wenger was blissfully hopeful in the abilities of his attacking players overcoming the defensive weaknesses of his side; ambitious in his plan of a high pressing game that’s intentions was simply overawe Chelsea with relentless waves of attacks, pacy counters and restricting intensity.

Next: Arsenal Vs Chelsea: 5 Things We Learned

Ultimately, if Saturday’s game showed us anything, it was that there is a clear reason as to why Chelsea, and not Arsenal, are set to lift the Premier League trophy come the end of the year. They are everything that Wenger needs to aspire for his team to become if they to ever end what will soon be a 13 year titleless run.

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