Arsenal Vs AC Milan: 5 things we learned

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 15: Arsene Wenger of Arsenal looks on as Laurent Koscielny leaves the pitch injured during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Arsenal and AC Milan at Emirates Stadium on March 15, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

4. Calum Chambers deputises well

Defensive organisation has never been Arsenal’s strong point. While, individually, they are perfectly competent players, collectively, they do not comprise a stable and secure defence. There are a number of factors, from the lack of pressure on the ball to the positional errors that are made time and time again. It is something that this team simply do not do well. So when the most experienced defender and captain hobbled off after 11 minutes, reminiscent of last season’s Bayern Munich capitulation, forgive me for fearing the worst.

I needn’t have. His deputy, Calum Chambers, who I feel has now established himself as the third-choice centre-half in Wenger’s thinking in the past month or so, was excellent. As ever, he exuded calmness throughout, both when in possession and in his one-on-one defending, he was decisive and aggressive when he needed to be, and was constantly communicating with Shkodran Mustafi.

It is not a defensie pairing that inspires confidence. Both are prone to silly mistakes and rash decisions. But on this occasion, their reserved, controlled manner was perfect for the context of the match. There were a couple of loose moments when Milan attackers slipped their attentions from crosses. But, for the most part, this was a very promising display indeed.