Arsenal Vs Chelsea: 5 things we learned – Back from the brink

Arsenal, Granit Xhaka, Hector Bellerin (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Arsenal, Granit Xhaka, Hector Bellerin (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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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)
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) /

3. Welcome back, Hector Bellerin

Hector Bellerin 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.

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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right-back position, Bellerin defended stoutly, sticking with Willian well throughout until the Brazilian was withdrawn late on.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.

Now playing as a winger after Nicolas Pepe was withdrawn, Bellerin found himself on the edge of the penalty area with two defenders in front of him.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.

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.