Arsenal: 4 talking points from Premier League win over Chelsea

Arsenal lifted the mood around north London with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Chelsea in the Premier League on Wednesday. Here are the talking points.

Mikel Arteta turned the clock back to last season’s FA Cup run with a dogged defensive display stemming from a back three system, one that is not the long-term vision of the side but an example of their current plight.

Across both teams’ starting lineup, only Kieran Tierney and possibly the academy stars and make a claim for being in a combined XI. The difference in quality between the two is vast and the incredible turnaround at Stamford Bridge by Thomas Tuchel prompted a more conservative approach.

Setting up in the low block, they did relied on taking their opportunities when they came and being resilient to the Blues’ possession, although the goal was a gift that neither side would have prepared for.

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Arsenal: 4 talking points from Premier League win over Chelsea as Emile Smith Rowe nets only goal

Jorginho’s howler of a backpass left Kepa scrambling, who committed a foul in clawing the ball off the line into the path of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Andre Marriner smartly let play continue and the captain laid the ball off into the path of Emile Smith Rowe to tuck away.

It was a case of weathering the storm to come from that point, with Bernd Leno showcasing good work with his hands as Arsenal’s well organised defence kept the hosts mostly at bay.

An admittedly out of sorts Chelsea couldn’t find any serious rhythm but still looked more likely to score, with Christian Pulisic thinking he had before the offside flag correctly ruled his goal out.

Arsenal grew into the second half and were able to pose more of a threat as the match wore on, yet they had Leno to thank for a stunning late that that tipped Kurt Zouma’s effort onto the bar, with former Gunner Olivier Giroud smacking his rebound back onto the upright in the dying embers.

It wasn’t pretty but Arsenal held on to show there is still some fight left in these beleaguered players.

Third Best Defence in the Premier League

Chelsea and Manchester City, the only two sides to have conceded fewer goals in this season’s Premier League than Arsenal. This being the same Arsenal side who have lost 13 matches so far in this campaign and sit in eighth ahead of Everton who have two games in hand.

Reminisce about all the individual errors leading to goals and it becomes infuriating to imagine where Arsenal could be. Systematically Arteta has fluttered through systems, all designed to add steel to the backline, which have come at the cost of attacking output.

Those statistics make it obvious where the issues lie.

Arsenal sorely lack fluency and ultimately goals across the pitch, which is completely inexcusable considering the plethora of offensive talent on disposal. Ten home matches without finding the back of the net and just a pitiful 50 goals in 36 Premier League outings overall has crippled progress.

While Wednesday night was a far cry from the possession-based dynamism Arteta is after, he now has to find a way to broaden the attacking horizons and make Arsenal less predictable in the final third. Those issues lie on him, and making the right additions in midfield will be crucial to opening new doors.

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.

Farewell Hector Bellerin?

Fans may well have seen Hector Bellerin’s final action as an Arsenal player against Chelsea.

Coming on for the ineffective Bukayo Saka, he assumed the right wing-back role competently upon entering the field of play and immediately provided an outlet in advanced areas as well as better defensive cover.

These performances, or cameos in this case, have been a rarity all season. On this occasion it was a solid shift, one highlighted by his excellent diving clearance to prevent Pulisic from being played in.

During the interception to appeared to tweak his hamstring, one he didn’t succeed in shaking off. There is no knowledge of how long this will rule him out, but with only two games remaining this season and just over a week until Brighton come to the Emirates to draw the curtain on a forgetful campaign, he may have played his final game.

It’s no secret that he will be sold this summer with the aim to raise £25m, a decision that suits all parties.

With supporters due at the Emirates Stadium clash on 23 May, it will present a welcome opportunity for Bellerin to earn the ovation he deserves. A wonderful servant to the club and the best representative of Arsenal Football Club one could ask for.

Arsenal Still in the European Hunt

Surely not?

No. Even thinking about the possibility of somehow sneaking into a Europa League spot is no good for the personal health…..but, can they?

Right, so the state of play is that Chelsea and Leicester will contest for the FA Cup final. If both of them finish in the top four this season, which they are currently on course to do, then both fifth and sixth will be granted a Europa League berth.

Arsenal are two and one points behind West Ham and Liverpool, although the Hammers and the Reds have one and two games in hand respectively. There are numerous variables to consider, including the respective sides’ favourable run-ins and their desperation to finish in the top four as opposed to the Europa League.

To put it bluntly, it won’t happen.

There is, of course, the UEFA Europa Conference League (yay). It’s clutching at straws to find a reason to be in this embarrassing competition when full focus on the Premier League next season would be preferable. Unless, that is, if the Europa League can be secured.

Fighting for maximum points is absolutely necessary as winning is a non-negotiable, yet depending on other results it could bring Arsenal real joy or otherwise. Interesting, is one way to put it.