The major talking points from Chelsea’s stale mate against Arsenal

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Arsenal and Chelsea played out an entertaining, albeit 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge. The highly anticipated encounter had plenty of talking points, with Luiz’s sending off standing out. Petr Cech was busy in the starting exchanges, as he had to pull off a smart save to deny Pedro. Courtois however, was the busier keeper on the night. Ramsey should have opened the scoring, as his shot ricocheted off the bar and Lacazette blazed the rebound. Overall, Arsenal were the better team on the night.

Let’s look at the talking points from the Chelsea vs Arsenal game.

 

  • A game that ebbed and flowed

Arsenal vs Chelsea over the years has been entertaining down the years and this too didn’t fail to live up to the billing. The football was end-to-end and there were a lot of key battles on the pitch that were well fought. For Chelsea fans, it was frustrating; for Arsenal fans, it was promising, and for us neutrals, an engaging contest.

 

  • Ngolo Kante – Ineffective against Ramsey and Xhaka

Ngolo Kante has assumed somewhat of a cult status at Chelsea after bagging the league title with Chelsea last season. The PFA Player of the Year couldn’t wreak havoc against the midfield of Ramsey and Xhaka, which seemed week coming into the game. Bakayoko’s introduction did make a difference to Chelsea’s midfield in second half, proving how ineffective Kante was in midfield against Arsenal.

 

  • David Luiz – Excellent but Eccentric

David Luiz is a curious character. He is highly talented, no doubt about it, but his decision making is baffling. Up against Lacazette this time around, he didn’t give the Arsenal striker any space to move and was brilliant. His presence of mind helped Chelsea out of numerous crunch situations. However, one moment of madness changed the dynamic of the game. A meaningless dribble, followed by a heavy touch and a studs up challenge. David Luiz is indeed, excellent but eccentric.

 

  • Welbeck – An injury concern?

Danny Welbeck’s career has been blighted by injuries, and he limped off with what seemed like another one. After coming off second best in an altercation with David Luiz, his substitution produced quite a few groans from the Arsenal fans as the Englishman was finally getting a good run of games. Nonetheless, lets hope the injury isn’t as serious as it seems.

 

  • Arsenal’s defense up to the task

Arsenal’s downfall this season has been their defense. But on the night, given the occasion, they were up for it. The defensive trio of Koscielny, Mustafi and Monreal dealt well with Chelsea’s attack. Morata was ineffective, and Willian and Pedro faded off as the game progressed. Credits must go to Arsene for setting up his team in the way they did today.