Post Match: Arsenal vs. Chelsea (1-0)

By: Dan | December 17th, 2007

What a win. A gutsy, confident performance where we matched Chelsea’s tenacity and vigor step for step. It may not have been one of our greatest performances, but it displayed a deep fortitude which few suspected from Arsenal. Captain Fantastico William Gallas cemented his place as a leader with the game-winning goal, and the Mr. T-style mohawk seems to have inspired the team. Every player was willing to get scrappy and fight for the ball (Rosicky, though his offensive play was still a little lacking, was everywhere), and shove it to the boys in blue. Gallas’ header in stoppage time in the first half may grab the highlight reel (the result of a rare mistake from the second best keeper in the world), but I think one of the greatest victories was the battle between left-backs. Ashley Cole left Arsenal for Chelsea acrimoniously, citing his impoverishing salary at one of the richest clubs in the world. Not only was he greeted warmly by Arsenal fans in his first visit to the Emirates (I’ve never heard the chants as clearly as this game), but he was outshined by his pupil Clichy.

Yes, little Gael Clichy. He has had a stupendously bad time with injuries over his Arsenal career, and many questioned Wenger’s decision to leave the left back position to him in the 06-07 season. But, my God, he was sensatational. He had Shawn Wright-Philips and Joe Cole in his pocket the whole game, delivering one of the best defensive performances I have seen from him (and he has had many bright spots). Yet, while crippling the Chelsea attack, he continued lung-bursting run after lung-bursting run, sprinting up the sideline (and he is fast…easily as fast on the ball as Walcott) and delivering clean, efficient balls to ignite the attack. His endurance is simply otherworldly, as he delivered huge runs late in the game. Honestly, he is the best left back in the Premiership, despite what some Manchester United fans may think about Evra.

As I noted in the match preview, Hleb, Fabregas and Flamini all returned to the game and started, with Robin van Persie on the bench. Once again, Arsene Wenger used a favorite trick to mislead the opposition by saying the trio were injured. Flamini played well, performing the workhorse role admirably, and Fabregas and Hleb ignited a little creativity in the midfield. That said, both players seemed to be shaking off the rust. Hleb was nowhere near as penetrative as usual, and Fabregas was unusually sloppy with passing. Yet, Rosicky and Flamini’s work rate managed to clean up any mistakes, and Arsenal defended a 1-0 halftime lead superbly. Adebayor looked reasonably good as he created turmoil for Alex and Tal Ben Haim after Eboue injured Terry, before being injured himself. Adebayor also had a perfectly good goal ruled out in the second half. He seems to be picked on by sideline referees, his large stature and perpetual existence on the edge between offsides and onsides resulting in a seemingly inherent prejudice. Even so, my confidence is bolstered by this performance.

Robin van Persie came into the game at the 69th minute, and instantly infused the game with life and intent. Arsenal was prone to the offensive dithering that we were so accustomed to last year, but RVP left his left foot fly with shot after shot. Though he missed a glorious chance seconds after Wright-Philips missed Chelsea’s best chance of the game, I felt really relieved to see Robin back. We have our starting eleven back and healthy, and I couldn’t be happier.

Speaking of the starting eleven, Almunia delivered his best performace I have seen for Arsenal. That isn’t saying much, as I’d expect a class goalkeeper to save every shot he saved, but he solidified his place. People have said that Almunia has often choked in big games (*cough*Champions League Final*cough*), but he delivered a great performance in a weekend where both van der Sar and Petr Cech showed their fallibilities. Almunia has gained my confidence, and though he could lose it easily, I finally agree with Wenger that he should be starting matches.

This win was vital for Arsenal. We have shaken off the loss at Middlebrough and the tie at Newcastle, and have signaled our intents for the title. Though the win was not our most beautiful, it showed our ability to fight against the best and win. The game had ten yellow cards and two brawls. Yet, we won and showed our rivals (which, honestly, are just Manchester United and Chelsea), our drive to win the title. This is a young squad, and our character speaks both volumes about the future and the present. I think we can win the Premiership, a thought that was impossible 4 monthes ago.

Ohh…and for those who read my match preview, I mentioned a hot tip for betting (Sagna to foul Ashley Cole first, at 10-1), and it came true (obviously). As I am sure that the teeming millions of my loyal readers read and followed my advice, I just need you to send 50% of your winnings for the advice. Thanks ahead of time.

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