Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal: We’ll be Bac stronger next season

Picture from BBC Football

First Half:

4 successive draws on the trot in the Premier League. Would this be the game in which Arsenal ended that run? Could they snatch 3 points from Chelsea? They certainly needed to, after Man United beat Liverpool by 3 goals to nil.

Early on, Didier Drogba went through one on one with Manuel Almunia but his touch let him down. Some poor crosses from Chelsea players followed, some decent chances for Arsenal though who had the majority of the possession. Robin van Persie shot over, Emmanuel Eboue tried an audacious lob over Cudicini and Michael Ballack tested Manuel Almunia several times with weak shots inside the box.

Then, Half Time approached and there was panic in the Arsenal box. John Terry stabbed Ballack’s header to Salamon Kalou who completely missed the ball with a wild air shot.

There were a couple of penalty appeals, typically, the Chelsea players seemed to go down pretty easily and the appeals were waved away.

Robin van Persie particularly impressed in midfield and showed his match fitness is up to scratch with some decent runs down the left and provided good service in the box to Adebayor.

The Referee Mr Halsey blew his whistle for Half Time. If the Second Half was as fantastic as the first we were in for some more entertainment.

Second Half:

As the Second period begun, there was a feeling inside Stamford Bridge that Arsenal could take all 3 points.

A few minutes into the Second half, Didier Drogba was put through again, luckily for The Gunners, William Gallas was on hand to put the Ivorian off.

Then the goal came, a corner was won, Cesc Fabregas lifted it in the box and Bacary Sagna was well placed to head it past Carlo Cudicini. A fantastic goal, for a fantastic player who is Gunners Live ‘Player of the Week’ 2 weeks running now.

The Frenchman’s delight turned to disappointment after he sustained an ankle injury and came off.

Chelsea stepped up to the plate and after some brilliant attacking play, they were awarded with a vital equaliser.

A typical Chelsea move started with John Terry playing the long ball, Didier Drogba brought it down and lashed it past Manuel Almunia. The pressure was all on Arsenal, who’s title bid had a risk of being demolished in the next 25 minutes at the Bridge.

8 minutes to go, Chelsea came on the attack. Nicklas Anelka (former Gunner) headed it to Drogba who’s deft flick went past Almunia, the Spaniard couldn’t get enough to it.

That proved the winner, the goal which probably ends Arsenal’s title hopes. One season too early? Maybe, but one thing’s for sure, Arsenal were unlucky today, if it’s any consolation, this has been the most impressive league campaign in terms of class and performance.

Teams

Arsenal:

Almunia, Sagna (Diaby 72), Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Eboue, Fabregas, Flamini (Bendtner 88), Hleb, Adebayor, Van Persie (Walcott 76).
Subs Not Used:Lehmann, Senderos.

Chelsea:

Cudicini, Essien, Carvalho, Terry, Ashley Cole, Ballack (Belletti 70), Makelele (Anelka 70), Lampard, Joe Cole (Obi 88), Drogba, Kalou.
Subs Not Used: Hilario, Alex.