Arsenal Chelsea
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It never felt as though Arsenal were never in control against Chelsea. Considering Chelsea are well in the hunt for a Champions League spot, the Blues lacked significant penetration with Arsenal cruising to a 1-0 win.
In a dull affair, Arsenal’s pragmatism and defence kept Chelsea at bay as they scored from a set-piece.
A set-piece goal, a clean sheet and holding Chelsea to their lowest xG of the season.
Seems like a vintage Arteta Arsenal performance from 24/25.
Here were five things we learnt from the game:
1. First Set-Piece Goal in 98
Arsenal have struggled for goals ever since the injury crisis took hold. Even before those injuries however, there was a case to be made for the football Arsenal were playing to be the type Chelsea were playing today.
Neat approach play with an astounding lack of penetration.
With Nottingham Forest only four points behind Arsenal and the biggest game of the season against Real Madrid on the horizon after the international break, Mikel Arteta will be glad to see Nicolas Jover’s set-piece goals returning.
The team will be re-energised if Bukayo Saka can return for the Real Madrid game, but it’s all about building momentum and confidence heading into facing one of the world’s best teams.
READ MORE: RICCARDO CALAFIORI REVEALS HUGE POSITIVE UPDATE ON BUKAYO SAKA RETURN DATE.
2. Arsenal nullify Chelsea
Arsenal held Chelsea to their lowest xG of the season.
A mere 0.35 with the Blues being utterly blunt in front of goal and creating next to nothing.
Arsenal’s switch to more pragmatic tactics this season is because of their reliance on one the best defence in the league and one of the best centre-back pairings.
Chelsea have some excellent wingers and players who can create moments in big games and yet, Arsenal squeezed the pitch in the middle, were compact and held them at arms length.
3. Odegaard form a worry
Martin Odegaard’s terrific form under Mikel Arteta was a large reason for the rise of the team in the last few seasons, the Norwegian playmaker is in the worst run of form in quite some time.
It doesn’t help that Arsenal’s attack lacks chemisty and mobility, but in a time where other huge players are out, it’s a shame Odegaard’s form is on a downward trajectory.
The hope is once other attackers return, Odegaard can do what he normally does to make Arsenal’s attack click.
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4. Jurrien Timber a class apart
Jurrien Timber’s comeback from a huge injury has been nothing short of spectacular.
One begins to understand why Arteta was so devastated at losing him last season because week in, week out the player is giving 8 out 10 performances.
Through all of this it’s important to remember that Ben White is still out of the team.
When the Englishman returns there will be a lot more competition for his spot with the emergence of the Dutchman’s fabulous run of form.
5. Quietly Important Victory
There has been a lot of deflation in recent weeks with Arsenal’s form trailing off and dropping points vs Nottingham Forest and Man Utd.
Chelsea despite dropping many points in the last 12 games are still a tough opponent.
Arsenal would want to consolidate second as soon as possible and it could be harder for them to keep concentration with the title gone.
A professional performance with a solid backline was much needed after dropping seven points from three games.
With the international break on the horizon, it’s a good time for players to get some rest and hopefully return when Arsenal play Fulham on April 1st.
A week later, Arsenal will play their biggest game of the season with Real Madrid visiting, the goal from now until then will be to build momentum, get as many players firing and getting key attackers back to face the Galacticos.
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