Gunners vs Chelsea Review

This game was easily the most anticipated soccer game of the weekend. Arsenal, first in the Premier League league, vs Chelsea, third in the Premier League. Both teams are in unreal form too coming off great wins. Chelsea beat Barcelona 3-0 in the Champions league during the week, and Arsenal destroyed Bayern 4-1, after destroying Tottenham 4-1 also. However in this one they did have some injuries they were dealing with. Saliba, Gabriel, and Trossard all were unavailable for Arsenal.

As the game started out Arsenal would've been happy to get 1 point the way it was looking. Saka did have a decent chance around the 10 minute mark, but nothing real was developing for them. It seemed Chelsea was on the front foot most of the first 30 minutes, forcing most of the action and having better looks of the two teams.

The refs were not letting anything go right from the start of the game. They gave Zubimendi a yellow card in the first 5 minutes that I've seen them not give a card on plenty of times throughout the year, but they were wanting to send a message they weren't putting up with anything. In the first half alone there were 6 cards, including a game changing moment in the 35th minute when there was a red card given to Caicedo of Chelsea. He went to challenge a ball on Merino and got the top of his foot with force and all commentators said red card immediately. It didn't take long for the ref to agree also. 1 man advantage for Arsenal the rest of the game, time to dominate, take 3 points, and extend this Premier League lead. You would've thought.

The rest of the first half really continued to be pretty even with a slight possession advantage to Arsenal and 1 more shot on goal. Going into halftime it was time for them to plan to play 11 on 10 and make it tough for Chelsea. But as my friend JT said in the first 3 minutes of the 2nd half Arsenal was sleeping. It was Chelsea attacking more, pushing more, and possessing more in the first few minutes of the 2nd. Including a long ball down the right side that they called a foul on Arsenal. D Clear said no foul, bad call, but either way they were forcing the issue and got the call. That set play led to a corner that was struck pretty perfect from Reece James and finished off by a Trevor Chelobah back of the head head. 1- nil Chelsea, with a man down. Arsenal fans are shocked, can't believe it. Chelsea going nuts.

The rest of the game continued to be similar. Arsenal never really got the momentum and control of the game they were looking for. Chelsea matched them in total shots in the 2nd half and actually had more shots on target. Arsenal was able to tie it even when Saka had a beautiful drive to the baseline and centered it high for Merino to put in the back of the net. 1-1 Tie Game in the 59th minute. Surely Arsenal will start to find it now as Chelsea also seemingly would get more tired. But was still more of the same of not quite getting what they were looking for. They had more chances, merino had a couple. Lee shots and Gyokeres had a follow up opportunity off a rebound that he just couldn't quite get to and kicked their goalie in the face instead.

Going into the game Arsenal would've been content with a point. But once the red card happened all eyes and thoughts were on 3. Leaving with 1 isn't the end of the world, but to win a Premier League title it seems those are the chances you have to capitalize on. Tied game with 1 man advantage for 50+ minutes in a match of the two top teams. Arsenal will have to reset for Brentford on Wednesday and continue to hunt 3 points. Obviously Chelsea is a tougher opponent but they'll need to create more chances in their forth coming games to spread the lead at the top of the EPL. They've looked great so far this year, need to keep it up. Happy with a point. Could've been worse, could've been better.