Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal: 5 talking points from 2-0 Chelsea defeat

By Adam Schultz

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Folarin Balogun of Arsenal looks dejected as he is consoled by Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal following defeat in the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on August 22, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Folarin Balogun of Arsenal looks dejected as he is consoled by Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal following defeat in the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on August 22, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Pablo Mari
Chelsea’s Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku prepares to shoot at goal as Arsenal’s Spanish defender Pablo Mari (2n L) attempts to block during the English Premier League football. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

2. Arsenal’s Defence & Pablo Mari Get Torn to Shreds

Nothing new, right?

In the first half Chelsea’s right-hand side tore Arsenal apart. Reece James was afforded far too much space for both goals as he assisted Lukaku for Chelsea’s first, before firing home for his side’s second. Tierney made errors but in his strong defence he was constantly looking over his shoulder to both cover Pablo Mari and make up for the spaces left in front of him from midfield.

It’s tough to pick on Bukayo Saka given this was his first start of the season after returning from his endeavours with England, yet for both goals the young winger failed to track back and provide cover for Tierney, offering far too much space to the Chelsea right wing-back.

Equally, as was expected, Mari and Rob Holding had a nightmare up against Lukaku, particularly in the first half as the Belgian brute simply manhandled the Arsenal backline. That did improve slightly after the break but by this point the damage was already done. Mari once again looked exceedingly average.

Chelsea strikers bullying Arsenal defenders. It seems FA Cup finals are the only time this narrative takes a breather. Gabriel and Ben White can’t come back soon enough.

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