With a number of key gamers lacking the conflict between two Premier League heavyweights, Arsenal and Chelsea was by no means going to be traditional.
Within the purple nook, Mikel Arteta was lacking the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. Within the blue nook, Enzo Maresca was lacking Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer. The sport and end result stated as a lot.
We can’t lie; this encounter did not generate a lot pleasure. There have been almost moments for David Raya and Robert Sanchez with the 2 Spanish goalkeepers virtually costing their workforce targets however it was Mikel Merino, an unlikely supply of pleasure for Arsenal of late who scored the sport’s solely aim in a 1-0 win for the Gunners.
The remedy of Merino has maybe been unfair in current weeks. He is scored 4 targets in seven video games since being changed into a makeshift striker and his aim in opposition to the Blues was brilliantly taken.
Martin Odegaard swung the ball in and there Merino was, leaping excessive on the entrance put up to look a header previous Sanchez.
So, what have been the speaking factors?
The largest positives from Arsenal’s win over Chelsea
The aforementioned Merino is definitely having a great time of it in assault and though he will not be a long-term answer to their offensive woes, he’s doing his finest.
Clearly not as athletic as some who ply their commerce because the centre-forward, the Spain worldwide has labored laborious and definitely off the ball, this was maybe his best efficiency as an Arsenal striker.
He led the press properly and compelled the Chelsea defenders and goalkeeper into just a few worrying moments defensively.
Two of Arsenal’s largest moments got here by way of him too, firstly the aim after which he was unlucky to not make it 2-0 with a rasping volley from shut vary which was stored out by Sanchez.
Whereas the Gunners struggled to create a lot once more, they have been fairly good defensively, with Jurrien Timber proving that Ben White goes to must work extremely laborious to win his place again.
It was White who began in midweek in opposition to PSV however Timber was again within the beginning lineup on this event and did brilliantly, notably profitable 9 duels and finishing 88% of his passes. Within the phrases of Arsenal podcaster Adam Keys, the Dutchman was “immense” on Sunday and “made a few large transition-stopping tackles to maintain Arsenal in management.”
The person on the other facet of the defence wasn’t dangerous both.
Arsenal have discovered their new Jack Wilshere
“The way forward for English soccer”. That was the billing a sure teenaged Jack Wilshere was handed by legendary midfielder Xavi after dominating Barcelona’s midfield within the Champions League.
As everyone knows, nevertheless, Wilshere’s profession was ruined by accidents. He is now a coach at Norwich Metropolis within the Championship.
Since then, Arsenal have been in search of somebody equally pretty much as good. Saka has definitely confirmed he is one of the best Hale Finish expertise since Wilshere’s emergence however they’re extremely totally different gamers.
Properly, they could have lastly discovered their new model of the Englishman in Myles Lewis-Skelly.
It is protected to say that this has been a reasonably particular week for the 18-year-old. Like Wilshere earlier than him, he has been named in an England squad as a youngster.
It is an unbelievable accomplishment, it truly is. This can be a boy, a person, who earlier than September hadn’t made a single begin within the Premier League. He is been fast-tracked however he actually does need to be standing among the many nation’s elite gamers.
Why? Properly, there aren’t many footballers in England who can do what he does.
A midfielder by commerce, it is at left-back the place Lewis-Skelly has shone brightly. Neglect the purple playing cards for a second, his technical capacity, his mentality and physicality are all far past what’s anticipated for a participant of his age.
So, why is a left-back to Wilshere, we hear you ask? Properly, it might not be an ideal shock if, in time, {the teenager} is taking part in in his rightful midfield spot.
|
Lewis-Skelly vs Chelsea |
|
|---|---|
|
Minutes performed |
90 |
|
Touches |
39 |
|
Correct passes |
18/21 (86%) |
|
Clearances |
1 |
|
Tackles |
1 |
|
Floor duels gained |
3/3 |
|
Aerial duels gained |
1/1 |
|
Key passes |
1 |
|
Fouled |
2x |
|
Stats by way of Sofascore. |
|
Like Arsenal’s nice Hale Finish hope of yesteryear, Lewis-Skelly is left-footed, he is ridiculously press resistant, he drives ahead with goal and he rides tackles in a remarkably comparable means.
He confirmed all of these qualities in opposition to Chelsea, starring in his common inverted position.
Lewis-Skelly usually stepped into midfield and appeared in areas proper on the sting of the field, driving ahead and evading challenges together with his shut management.
This was a close to impeccable show, incomes an 8/10 match ranking courtesy of Soccer.London having gained all 4 of his duels and accomplished 86% of his passes.
Arsenal and England can be spoiled by such an thrilling expertise.
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