3 Things We Learnt From Chelsea’s Emphatic Victory over Arsenal
Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea proved once again that they are superior to their London Rivals, Arsenal. Unlike the first leg in December, the game at Stamford Bridge lived up to its billing – embarrassingly for the Gunners though. Chelsea bounced back from the controversial loss at Villa Park to knock 6 goals past a shocking Arsenal side.
Many expected the game to be tougher than it actually was. It was probably more embarrassing for Arsene Wenger than any other person because the defeat of this magnitude came on a day he was celebrating his 1000th game in charge of the Gunners. The Frenchman and his side were bereft of ideas and the Blues were more than happy to make them pay.
Samuel Eto’o curled the ball past a helpless Szczseny to kick the party off in the 5th minute. Just minutes later, Andre Schurlle added his name to the score sheet. Referee, Andre Marriner made one of the most controversial decisions the game has ever seen. Oxalaide-Chamberlain dove to punch an Eden Hazard shot that was agonizingly close to goal. Marriner – instead of sending Oxalaide-Chamberlain off- sent Kieran Gibbs off instead. Hazard made it 3-0 from the spot.
Oscar scored just minutes before the break after superb work by Fernando Torres. The Brazilian was on hand to add to his goal in the second half before his replacement, Mohammed Salah Sored the 6th goal for Chelsea. The match was surprisingly easy for Chelsea as they put Arsenal to the sword.
Below are the things that stood out.
Arsenal Defence keep shipping in goals.
The people who have argued that the pairing of Laurent Kooscielny and Per Mertesacker is one of the best in the Premier League, will probably change their mind after the shambolic performance against Chelsea. Just like the game against Manchester City [where they lost 6-3] and the game against Liverpool [where they lost 5-1], they keep conceding heavily.
The defenders were often caught out of position; at times they showed little desire in marking their attackers. No manager will be happy with the way Arsenal defended and Arsene Wenger won’t be an exception.
Mourinho continues to enjoy his advantage over Wenger and the Home record.
‘Mourinho has never lost against Wenger’, ‘Chelsea have never lost a Premier League game under Jose Mourinho’ these were the key facts before the game and after the emphatic victory, the streak continues for the ‘Special One’.
The victory of the at Stamford Bridge now means Mourinho has won 6 games in 11 encounters with Arsene Wenger and has Drawn the remaining 5. It remains to be seen if Wenger will ever break this jinx – maybe next season.
Stamford Bridge also remains strong. Chelsea remains the only undefeated team at home with an amazing 44points from a possible total of 48 points.
Salah pops his Cherry
Egyptian winger, Mohammed Salah scored his debut goal for Chelsea four minutes after he replaced Oscar. The former Basel player did well to stay onside before he was picked out with a lovely pass from Nemanja Matic. All Salah had to do was run and run – which he did – before he finished with his left foot to complete the rout. The winger was delighted with his debut goal and couldn’t hide his joy when he spoke to the press after.
“It’s my first goal with the team [Chelsea], so I hope it will be a good start. I congratulate myself and all the people who supported me following my arrival here. Thankfully, I’m living up to the expectations of the technical staff and I hope I will score more goals.”
He also revealed the impact Mourinho has had on him since he came to Chelsea.
“My relationship with Mourinho is very good. I motivated before the game and told me I would score today. I am working with the best coach in the world.”
Chelsea fans will be hoping his good form continues.
Chelsea made an important statement with the victory – A statement of intent. They will fight for the Premier League title till the very end.
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