Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea: 4 Things We Learned From Boxing Day Relief

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates with teammates Hector Bellerin, Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe, Alexandre Lacazette, Mohamed Elneny and Rob Holding of Arsenal after scoring their sides third goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on December 26, 2020 in London, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Andrew Boyers - Pool/Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Stick or Twist?

Well, well, well. That win will make for an interesting lineup against Brighton.

There were some subpar performances against the Blues, but none that can be altered for midweek. Instead it was those coming into the fold who can do little more to stake their claim for a regular senior berth.

It’s fairly conclusive that Martinelli will retain his place, yet how will Arteta respond to the displays of Lacazette and Smith Rowe? Two players who haven’t been involved in the Premier League side in recent weeks were excellent. It’s a brave call making wholesale changes for the journey to Brighton.

Then again, a fully fit Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang doesn’t sit on the bench, does he? This was the best attacking display of the whole season and he was nowhere to be seen. Was that a coincidence?

Of course not. The angle should be that the captain must channel what he saw today in a similar vein when he returns. Arsenal can play that way with Aubameyang in the side, they’re just yet to strike the balance.

How much Arteta changes will make for interesting viewing. Willian back from illness, perhaps?

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