This weekend, Chelsea extended their lead at the top of the table after a scoreless draw at the Emirates on Sunday. Without a fit striker to start the match, José Mourinho had lined Cesc Fàbregas up as a false 9, playing at the striker position but tracking back to help in the midfield. Here are five things we learned from the match
- Didier Drogba is not the same
Didier Drogba came on for Oscar at half-time, and Didier proved to us he is not the same striker he used to be. Drogba did not provide the physicality up front to take pressure off the wingers, he did not have the pace to catch up to passes, and he could never get open. Chelsea needs to either bring in a striker this summer, or look to promote a youth player.
- David Ospina is invisible to the referee
David Ospina absolutely destroyed Oscar, knocking him onto the pitch which resulted in a concussion, without even playing the ball…in the box. Ospina should have been sent-off for the blatant foul, and Chelsea should’ve been rewarded a free-kick, but referee Michael Oliver totally ignored the altercation.
- John Terry is still the best defender in England
Loads of pressure was placed onto the 34 year-old captain’s back yesterday, and he came through for Chelsea once again. Key clearances, interceptions, blocks and the lockdown 1 on 1 defense, John Terry once again proved why he has been a part of Chelsea’s first team for so long.
- Arsenal’s mix of creative players is stoppable
Santi Cazorla, Mesut Özil, Aaron Ramsey, Olivier Giroud, and Alexis Sánchez are not invincible. With the 11 wins in a row for the London club, their offense looked like one of the best in the world. Chelsea exposed them, keeping 10 players back at times, and not cracking when Arsenal pressed forward.
- Chelsea need a fit Diego Costa to be successful
Another week for Chelsea, another week of watching for Diego Costa. Still caring for his hamstring that he re-injured against Stoke City, Diego Costa was left out of the team again. Chelsea proved that they need the physicality of Diego Costa pounding away up top to score goals. Costa controls the box, and takes pressure off the wings drawing the fullbacks in closer and closer.
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