Arsenal had the first test of their Premier League title defence on Sunday. The manner of their win over Chelsea will stand them in good stead.
Pre-match billing suggested Sunday’s blockbuster Premier League duel between Arsenal and Chelsea would be a tale of defence vs attack; the reigning champions vs the potential challengers to the crown.
While Chelsea gave a decent account of themselves at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal provided a timely reminder of how far ahead of their London rivals they truly are.
Chelsea made the journey across London having arguably caught the eye to a greater degree than any other Premier League team across the first two matchdays, at least from an attacking perspective anyway.
Under new coach Xabi Alonso and with a retooled frontline that’s seen João Pedro, Chelsea scored seven goals across their first two games. Some of their attacking play had been exhilarating to watch, and the form of their front three set tongues wagging.
This was, according to the perceived wisdom, going to be the first examination of Arsenal’s title defence and a litmus test for how solid their defence would be in 2026-27. Let’s not forget, they are without William Saliba at centre-back and will be for a while.
To Chelsea’s credit, they came out swinging.
They were ahead within 77 seconds thanks to Rogers’ slightly scruffy – but crucially accurate – volley into the bottom-left corner.
And across the first half, Chelsea did cause Arsenal some problems.
They were quick in their transitions and put the Arsenal backline under pressure, forcing the Gunners into a game that had the potential to turn into chaos. That was hardly an ideal situation for control-freaks Arsenal, particularly given they were already trailing.
Chelsea had additional chances in the first half as well.
Rogers shot wide when he should’ve hit the target at the very least; Pedro Neto hit the post; and João Pedro was inches away from connecting with a Palmer cross that looked as though it needed just the slightest touch to be turned in. That last instance obviously had no xG attached to it as no shot was taken, but it was a moment of promise nonetheless.
Essentially, for a time, Chelsea made Arsenal play a game they didn’t want to play. But Mikel Arteta’s side showed they could.
Arteta’s Arsenal aren’t typically associated with expansive, fast football. Here, though, they seemed to embrace the frenetic nature of the occasion, and they didn’t look awkward.
Declan Rice charged forward often. Estêvão, whose curling 20-yard effort was tipped over by
Hence then, the article about chelsea asked questions arsenal answered them all was published today ( ) and is available on The Analyst ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Chelsea Asked Questions; Arsenal Answered Them All )
Also on site :
- 1976 Rock Song, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of All Time,’ Was Created in a Watertown Basement Studio
- May El-Toukhy Stops Venice Competition Screening Of ‘Woman Unknown’ Over Subtitle Snafu; Film Goes On To Garner 7-1/2 Minute Ovation
- Lanterns Fake-Out: After A Major Death, John And Hal Realize The Manhunter Is [Spoiler]! Read Episode 4 Recap