Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea: A Point Won Or Two Points Lost For Chelsea?

A Cagey Affair

Jose Mourinho extended his unbeaten run against rival, Arsene Wenger to 10 matches after Arsenal and Chelsea played out a goalless draw at the Emirates on Monday, 23rd of December. The match failed to live up to its billing as a prospective exciting encounter as both teams couldn’t find a way in the very cagey affair.

Frank Lampard could’ve given Chelsea the lead in the after 32 minutes. The England international’s half-volley hit the underside of the bar leaving Arsenal goalkeeper, Szczesny temporarily helpless. Later on in the game, French striker Oliver Giroud wasted to chances that could’ve handed Wenger his first victory over Mourinho in 10 matches.

The result meant arsenal has surrendered their position at the top of the table to Merseyside club, Liverpool.

Post-match comments:

Arsene Wenger:

“We should have won it. They came here to defend and catch us on a break. We were a bit edgy at the start but we took control in the second half and should’ve won it. It was a game of very few chances and we couldn’t take ours. If you cannot win the game, don’t lose it”

Jose Mourinho:

“It was a tactical match. A match Arsenal wants to win and didn’t want to lose and Chelsea want to win but doesn’t want to lose. The goalkeeper was not in the game, we controlled the game defensively. It was important not to lose and be five points behind the leaders.

“We were not aggressive enough to attack defenders and go for goal. We want creative players who use the ball and kill opponents. But there are some matches where we have to take one step backwards and play with a different philosophy.”

Statistics:

General Play:

Arsenal Chelsea
Possession 61.4% 38.6%
Duels won 46.5% 53.5%
Aerial duels won 41.3% 58.7%
Offsides 3 2
Corners 8 6

 

Attack:

Arsenal Chelsea
Goals 0 o
Total shots 7 13
Shots on target 2 4
Shot accuracy 28.6% 30.8%
Blocked shots 3 4
Shots on bar 0 1
Shots from inside the box 5 8
Shots from outside the box 2 5

 

Defence:

Arsenal Chelsea
Tackles 17 17
Tackles won 70.6% 70.6%
Clearances 42 36
Interceptions 13 6

 

Distribution:

Arsenal Chelsea
Total passes 544 340
Long passes 9.7% 10.3%
Pass accuracy 84.0% 77.6%
Pass accuracy opp half 71.1% 63.5%
Pass accuracy own half 94.9% 89.0%
Total crosses 25 13
Successful crosses 16.0% 15.4%

 

Arsenal Chelsea
Foul Conceded 7 11
Yellow Cards 2 1
Red Cards 0 0

 

A Point won or two points gained

Arsenal wanted this game more than Chelsea at least to maintain their momentum at the top of the table. Arsenal with 61.4% of the possession definitely meant business. Jose Mourinho just like the way he set his team out to play against Manchester United made it difficult for the gunners as the match was indeed tactical.

Chelsea were smarter with their chances. With little possession, they managed to get 13 shots with 4 on target compared to Arsenal’s 7 shots/ 2 shots on target. Jose got what he wanted really. Either a win or a point – don’t lose it all.

The result of this match might be significant later on in the title race as the complete 3 points might have afforded the gunners breathing space at the top of the table. Apart from that, the psychological boost would’ve been enormous had it been Wenger’s men got one of their bitter London rivals and Mourinho. In contrast, Mourinho and his men will be quite happy with a point.

[Stats: TheFootballApp, Quotes: PremierLeague]

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