3 positives from Arsenal’s Florida Cup demolition of Chelsea

3. Arteta-ball works

This summer was about getting players into the team that fit Mikel Arteta’s system. Gabriel Jesus was the main target of the summer, and he’s poised to transform the Gunners’ attack next season.

Clearly wanting a pressing and hard-working striker to lead the line, the Gunners had to rely on Alexandre Lacazette to perform that role last year. It just isn’t his thing, and that’s fine. But when a player comes in who loves the aspect of closing down space and harassing defenders, the whole team follows suit.

Against Chelsea, we saw Arteta’s vision at its devastating best. Leading from the front, Jesus pressed like a mad man, seeing then Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, and Bukayo Saka follow suit. This led to Chelsea having no time on the ball, and more often than not, a long ball was heaved downfield for the likes of William Saliba, Ben White, or Gabriel to mop up.

Even Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka did their bit, and when the entire XI is working in unison, my word, it is a sight to behold. Arsenal rendered Chelsea entirely useless for most of the first half as Tuchel’s men couldn’t deal with what was thrown at them.

If the Gunners play like this consistently (tough to do), then most teams in the Premier League will be fearful when they play Arsenal.