Arsenal: 5 talking points from 2-0 Chelsea defeat

3. Youngsters Leading the Line Doesn’t Work….Again

Now, this might seem harsh as for both games Arteta didn’t have a choice, but Arsenal gave very little service to Folarin Balogun (Brentford) and Gabriel Martinelli (Chelsea) as both were left painfully isolated up front.

Martinelli once again struggled. Mitigation comes in the form of his short turnover time from the Olympics but they’ve been performances he knows he won’t be pleased with.

Much of Arsenal’s good work, as ever, came through Emile Smith Rowe as well as Nicolas Pepe who has been fluttering on the border of ineffective and threatening.

The introduction of Aubameyang certainly changed the dynamic for the Gunners as they looked a slightly more dangerous team going forward, yet Chelsea dealt with whatever they dished up with relative ease.

The captain made several darting runs that were missing from Arsenal’s attack in the first half, offering the home something different to throw at Chelsea, but it was all for naught.

Having Lacazette and Odegaard back in the side will certainly help going forward but against Chelsea, Arsenal barely fired a shot. It was limp and lifeless once more.