[ad_1]
Two derbies in the space of seven days for Arsenal and two pivotal, if contrasting, victories.
The Gunners were rarely at their best against Chelsea, even after Pedro Neto was sent off in the 70th minute, but a 2-1 win means the lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League is five points again.
This victory made it 11 matches unbeaten against Chelsea, four of which have come this season, and this was hard-fought.
All three goals came from corners and all three from Arsenal defenders. William Saliba and Jurrien Timber headed in either side of a Piero Hincapie own goal.
The relief at full-time was palpable, Eberechi Eze was among those to look up and roar towards the sky. Arsenal did just about enough.
When Neto was shown a second yellow card with 20 minutes remaining, all signs pointed to Arsenal easing towards the full-time whistle.
However, the Gunners failed to make the most of their man advantage. In the period between that red card and the final whistle, Chelsea completed 114 passes to Arsenal’s 55.
It was nervy and it was unconvincing from Arsenal, but it was brilliant from David Raya to ensure the Gunners secured all three points.
The Spaniard had already been impressive, clawing away the ball superbly before half-time to stop a Declan Rice own goal. He also saved well from Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez.
Raya then produced a massive moment in stoppage time. Alejandro Garnacho’s inswinging cross looked destined for the far corner and Liam Rosenior was almost off celebrating, only for Raya at full stretch to tip the ball away.
Arsenal play to Gyokeres strengths
The north London derby could prove to be a real turning point for Viktor Gyokeres.
He was in good goalscoring form even before that brace against Tottenham last weekend, but his all-round game went up a level that day and it continued here.
Prior to the win over Spurs, Gyokeres averaged 24 touches per match in the Premier League. He had 42 against Spurs and 27 in 75 minutes here.
The striker had 19 of those touches in the first half, more than Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze.
Arsenal played to his strengths, looking to get him the ball in behind as quickly as possible. Inside the opening 10 minutes, Saliba, Leandro Trossard and Hincapie all released Gyokeres to run at Trevoh Chalobah.
The end product was not always there, as Chalobah dealt well with Gyokeres on the whole.
However, it was encouraging to again see Arsenal trying to get the best out of their striker, as they seemed unsure of how to do it earlier in the season.
Corner safety net delivers again
Arsenal had not played particularly well in the opening 20 minutes.
Chelsea enjoyed the majority of possession and there was little sign of the Gunners unlocking the visitors’ defence from open play.
No need. Bukayo Saka swung a corner to the back post, Gabriel nodded it back across goal and Saliba was there to head it in.
Arsenal’s set-piece prowess is not exactly a surprise at this stage, but it is so important when their attack is otherwise not quite clicking.
Per Opta, this was the ninth time in the league they have gone 1-0 up from a corner, the joint-most by a team in Premier League history.
It was a similar story in the second half, with Arsenal offering very little in attack. A Declan Rice corner and a Timber header later and it was 2-1.
On nervy occasions, as the tension builds by the week in the title race, the pressure release of Arsenal’s set-piece threat becomes increasingly welcome.
[ad_2]
Source link