Arsenal: 4 talking points from Premier League win over Chelsea

Arsenal's English midfielder Emile Smith Rowe (R) celebrates with Arsenal's Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after scoring his team's opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in London on May 12, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Shaun Botterill / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by SHAUN BOTTERILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

2 of 4

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 12: Christian Pulisic of Chelsea battles for possession with Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Distribution Out of the Back Needs Improving

One of the reasons why Arsenal are so blunt in attack stems from the back four. This is a crucial point.

Rob Holding, Pablo Mari and Gabriel put in solid defensive shifts on Wednesday night. From the purist’s point of view it will have been thoroughly enjoyable to see them sit in shape and knock away an incoming crosses.

They added precious little playing out, however. Holding is not a defender who thrives playing down the line. Against Villarreal this was most evident as he threw Hector Bellerin under the bus numerous times, and his kicking of the football in general is weak.

While Pablo Mari can be guilty of being too slow in possession, Wednesday was not a fair reflection of his usual distribution considering he played the deepest of the three and had no obvious out-ball.

Gabriel showed steel in the second half with some good tackles and aerial duels, all of which were offset by some fairly woeful passing, especially in the first half. Stamford Bridge did not cover him in the best light in that regard, as he’s usually far more eye-catching finding a teammate.

One of William Saliba’s better traits is range of pass and quality of delivery, something that could significantly aid this issue that plays an undoubted part in the laborious nature of Arsenal’s building through the thirds. Pace in their own third is an essential trait to coach during pre-season, especially with David Luiz’s qualities not due to be around by then.

Home/Arsenal News