Chelsea produced a brave performance, but it was to no avail as Arsenal secured a 2-1 win over Liam Rosenior’s side despite Cole Palmer being afforded plenty of space to operate.
While both sides had chances, the game was dictated by set-pieces as Arsenal scored goals through William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, cancelling out Piero Hincapie’s own goal from a Reece James corner.
Chelsea played well, often striking fear into Arsenal’s defence and getting in behind or finding space. But Chelsea’s inability to defend without calamity was on show again, with Robert Sanchez at fault regularly.
Who deserves the blame for Liam Rosenior’s first Premier League defeat?
Rosenior? Pedro Neto? Robert Sanchez?
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Indeed, Rosenior had his head in his hands when Sanchez almost conceded possession with the scoreline at 0-0. Indeed, Gary Neville noticed something about Cole Palmer during the first half of the match.
Gary Neville says Arsenal fans were stunned by Cole Palmer
Even though Palmer went down with what looked like his groin issue in the first half, the former Man City man was having lots of joy in Arsenal’s half. Indeed, Chelsea were arguably unlucky to lose the match.
referee Darren England shows the red card to Pedro Neto of Chelsea
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
While on co-commentary duty for Sky Sports, Neville says that Arsenal fans were in shock that Palmer kept finding so much space in the final third during the first 45, putting Arsenal’s back line to the test.
“The compactness, the tightness of Arsenal that you usually see just isn’t there. The Arsenal fans can’t believe Cole Palmer is getting that space,” Neville said, stunned that Chelsea were able to find space.
What Neville said about the Arsenal fans at full-time
Even with Chelsea down to 10 men after Pedro Neto’s second yellow card, the Blues pushed and in the final few minutes, were pushing incredibly hard to find an equaliser. Liam Delap had the ball in the net.
Chelsea looked lethargic in the final third – Agree? 🤔
Gary Neville doesn't mince his words.
Joao Pedro was offside before Delap tapped home, but there was plenty to be encouraged by for those of a Chelsea persuasion. Speaking after the match, Neville shared what Arsenal fans were feeling.
Indeed, in a nod to just how good Chelsea had been on the night, Arsenal fans were stunned that their side managed to secure a win: “The Arsenal fans around us are still in shock. They just had a major scare.”
Chelsea are next in action on Wednesday night, when they go to Aston Villa before Wrexham in the FA Cup and the first leg of the Champions League against PSG. It was a loss, but it was a solid performance.
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