Gunners Make A Point At Chelsea
Sep 18th, 2017 by 'holic
In all honesty when you set out for the bus stop in Fulham these days it is with an awareness that this hasn’t been the happiest of trips for a few years. This was no different. A grey morning spent on a train meandering through the home counties didn’t lift the spirits.
At Fulham Broadway, however, we stepped out into the sunshine. A good day was in embryonic form. A few pints in the ‘battle du jour’ and a common sense approach by the doormen made for an enjoyable aperitif.
The main course was far tastier than it has been of late. We started a little slowly, perhaps, but with a smouldering intent. The boss had surprised with his retention of Danny Welbeck at the expense of a recall for Alexis Sanchez. Alex Iwobi for the injured Mesut Ozil was not unexpected.
The result was a nervous start without the two superstars but we grew into the game and could, perhaps should, have led when Welbeck headed Hector Bellerin’s cross wide of the target. The same provider teed up Alex Lacazette who drew a save from Courtois, who also denied the rampaging Kolasinac.
It wasn’t one way traffic by any means although it felt that way in row seven of the lower tier of the Shed. Indeed Cech had to be alert to deny Pedro and that was a reminder that we were away to the reigning champions and would have to remain switched on.
We knuckled down and the ‘holic pound came close to reward when Aaron Ramsey’s effort came back of the post to Lacazette who blazed the ball over the bar.
Morata’s apparent inner ear infection saw him hit the turf with regularity and so Chelsea’s most potent threat was somewhat blunted.
If our best chances had fallen at the other end of the ground before the break we did get to celebrate a goal when Mustafi headed home a lofted free-kick, but we could not see the assistant referees flag raised quite correctly, as it turned out.
Not for the first time against us Chelsea’s indiscipline reared it’s ugly head. The otherwise impressive Luiz had already escaped with just a yellow card for a dangerous high boot on Laurent Koscielny when he lunged in with studs up on Kolasinac and was shown a straight red by a hitherto patient Michael Oliver.
Sadly that red card came too late for us to capitalise on our numerical advantage and a captivating encounter came to a close with honours even, although the Gunners were claiming a moral victory after the calamitous performance at Anfield.
After the match the boss was quoted as being “happy with the performance and disappointed with the point”. That pretty summed up the view of most in the post mortem.
His opposite number offered a reasonable “It was a good, open game with both teams trying to win. Every game against Arsenal is always very tough. We knew very well what type of game we would face. Both teams are great teams, it’s a good draw”.
The performance, if not the result, was celebrated by friends at a couple of pubs in the area. The day left something of a glow. Chelsea has become a trip not dissimilar to Fulham these days. Little menace in the air and supporters of both clubs mixing in some bars close to the venue.
A far cry from our journeys to the other end of the Seven Sisters Road these days.
49 Responses to “Gunners Make A Point At Chelsea”
Oh can I say “first” like the young people do ?
Splendid report Holic. Glad to know that all went well and that the events at Parsons Green had little to no impact. That’s the way it should be.
Great write up. Nice to see someone watched the same game as me ; some rather odd press write ups doing the rounds today.
It felt good in the end but does it also reflect us as to what we have become nowadays? contentment that we did not lose and put in a terrific shift or relief that all of us expected us to lose but then we did not???
Overall an excellent disciplined performance by the ” team”. Monreal, Kos and Mustafi along with Cech showed we do have a defensive bone and physical endurance to last the distance. Sead was terrific to bully around but i still have my slight doubts about his defensive positioning though as a wing back he is doing all things right, it is when he will be pushed to a LB that i have my doubts.
Lastly i have been reading that we are well off without Mesut and Alexis. that is nonsense as far as i am concerned. They are our match winners and all this they dont do the defensive shift does not merit for we need to win consistently without them to say so. Agreed we were good yesterday but we need to win and then we can talk of not having alexis and mesut and all that, till then they are still our best bet.
Thoughtful points Vinay. However I think that what AW needs to get better at, and got right yesterday, is picking a team for the occasion. Away at Chelsea is very different to home against Bournemouth. Alexis against Cologne showed us the best and worst of his game. In the first half he gave the ball away time after time. Against a team like Chelsea that could have lead to us being 3-0 down and the match over. In the second half of course he scored an absolute worldie to put us ahead.
This a squad game, both tactically and physically (number of games). On Sunday the first job was to get to half time still in the game. Danny and Iwobi made sure, with others, that we did. Then, second half, Alexis makes one hell of a 65 minutes sub.
I still expect Alexis to start more prem games than not.
Just a thought, we’ve now got Anfield, Chelsea and Stoke away done and dusted in our first five games. Disappointing that we only got 1 point from nine at those grounds – but still 33 games to go.
Critical that we didn’t get our arses handed to us at the Bus Stop. Like I said on Sunday, I’m very happy with that point.
Looking forward to Donny in a half empty stadium and another glimpse of Jack and Reiss.
Cheers H!
Sounds like a very nice day out, Holic. I don’t suppose you’ll be at the West Brom game for a catch up?
good stuff @5, Countryman.
? ? Guvnor!
So, has a prudent “Big Game” template ? (and at long last, hopefully?!) now been accepted by Monsier Arsene Wenger? ?
A respect for the attacking intent of one’s opponents always? ?
UTAAD&AN With A Tight Defence Always!
Fine report H. Pleased the trip was enjoyable and trouble-free.
Good stuff @5, cm100.
It is indeed good to see the boss taking a pragmatic approach. A very important point. Let’s hope this gutsy, focused and determined approach is our default away performance at the big teams.
I’m a bit nonplussed by the cheer being shown because Wenger is apparently being tough with Ozil and Sanchez. First it is madness to keep expensive players who are going to walk away for nothing and then not play them . Secondly I believe he is being careful with Sanchez and Ozil was genuinely injured .
Both will be back in the team sooner rather than later although I believe that only Sanchez merits a place . The estimable Welbeck who was very effective in the first half is very unlucky with injuries and a groin strain is a tricky injury in every sense of the word! That may allow Ozil a way back although I’m not certain we wouldn’t be better off with Iwobi retained if he plays like he did yesterday.
I’m hearing rumours that talks are going on about Fabregas returning. I’m not sure he is quick enough nowadays although he does pick some very good passes.
I’m glad you enjoyed your day Holic. I’ve not been to the bus stop for some time but as you point out there is very little disaffection between the two sides as illustrated at Wembley in May. My first visit in the very early sixties to the old ground with the dog track necessitated a set of binoculars so far were you away from the pitch. How times move on!
TTG@10, I think it is primarily an expression of relief that without the two most gifted players in the squad, we are capable of going toe to toe with the Chavs at their place where we have a dismal record leavened with some disaffection arising from the sense of rejection of the club by two players who have proved their value to it but will allegedly leave to join Mank rivals next summer.
I do think the team showed more fight for each other and a better balance than we did against the Dippers and that the reason wasn’t just the absence of the refuseniks but it’s a legitimate question whether their absence helped encourage the performance.
I have no doubt that both Ozil and Sanchez will have large contributions to our season and hopefully thereby justify the club’s decision to let them run down their contracts.
I was distraught when Fabregas left and I was distraught when we didn’t take him back because we had bought Ozil. I would take him back in a heartbeat to put some creativity back into our midfield. The best passer of a football I have ever seen, excepting only Johnny Haynes who I only saw when I was in primary school.
Yes that’s over and above DB10. He (DB10) is just the best footballer I have ever seen.
We needed that, and we got it. Well played.
Rambo has El Neny n Jack to replace him. Who comes in for Xhaka?! Or is he going to play all EPL, FA n latter round Europa games? (The Swiss are still trying to make it to Russia too?)
That “Fabregas” boat has long sailed, unless one is still not a progressive-ambitious?! Granit Xhaka is more than adequate a charge with his left-sided wand. He’ll continue to improve and impress as he adapts to English football.
https://youtu.be/5NnvtDz6Yd8
?
Dapper Dan – I respectfully disagree. Xhaka is not fit to lace Fabregas’s boots, even now. His “left sided wand” (oo err missus) has given away three goals this season already.
Agreed Countryman100; he had indeed been having a right-proper ‘mare until yesterday’s teamworkman-ship with the impressive Welsh-Whiz, and with “our kid” Danny and Iwobi-Wan-Kinobi flanking the duo!
As many a left-sided wand would probably say in times of despair – there are always plenty more fish in the sea to wave-a-loving at! Never look back with those chips and mushy-peas! ?
Now you’re talking – fish, chips and mushy peas! Food of champions!
Just what the Club,manager and supporters needed H.
Performance was light years away from sorry capitulation at Anfield.
Looked nervous first 15 minutes,all one way traffic with them pinging the ball about looking very busy,while we looked a bit off the pace.
Then it was like someone flicked a switch and we grew some,and made a real game of it.
We all would have taken a point pre game,but in truth we could and should have come away with all 3.
I’m convinced Danny W has not got a clue how to head a ball.
His timing just seems all wrong,his off the shoulder effort at Stoke was painful to watch,and his chance in this game was wasted as well.
His industriousness off the ball will be missed though after what looked a pretty serious groin tear.
I’ve watched the Laca miss 3 times now,and i just think he was unlucky.
The ball came back off the post and bounced a bit too high and he collected it with his shin more than his foot.
Very difficult to readjust your body in a split second.
He again looked off the pace though as the game wore on,and it is obvious to me that 90 mins of cruising in the French league,is the equivalent of around 65 mins in the PL.
I see Arsene concurs,and i think it will be a couple of months before he is able to complete a full 90 mins.
Everybody put in a great shift,fought for every inch of turf,gave no quarter and showed what can be achieved if you commit and compete together as a team for the whole game.
That will give the boys some much needed self belief with 2 of our next 3 away league games at Everton and City to come.
More of the same will stand us in good stead.
On a separate note,a really excellent article by Barney Ronay in the Guardian today about our new Free signing Mr Kolasinac.
Well worth a read.
How come we got Kolasinac for free anyway? Wasn’t he picked in last season’s Bundesliga Team of the Season? Why did Schalke let his contract run down (as AW is constantly accused of doing with our plyers)? Or did we have a hand in him choosing not to renew his Schalke contract I wonder? Tapping up?
Whatever, his transfer may well prove another AW master stroke. Of which another one or two wouldn’t go astray come January when Alexis probably leaves.
Both Fibreglass and Kunty could have been playing for us instead of the chavs, and then how different things could be.
Xhaka was supposed to be our new midfield Patrick, but I’m wondering if the red cards have affected him lately. He seems to have lost his passing ability in recent times, the quality which might have made him equal to the old Fab4. Whether I’d have had Fibreglass back as unquestioningly as countryman I don’t think so. Given his heritage I never held it against him for wanting to taste success with Barca, but the unpleasantness associated with his leaving left a bitterness best not regurgitated.
Re: Clive @18, in partial answer, although Welbeck should have scored on Bellerin’s cross. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVeioYtHSp4
Now to see about that Ronay article about Kolasinac.
My favorite sentence of the article on Kolasinac:
“But he is above all a certain type, ambling about on legs that resemble industrial scale sacks of millet, great bulky elbows dangling at his side like a man carrying a pair of rolled-up carpets under his armpits, radiating not just power and willing, but a sense of cheerful optimism.”
It would not be out of place to add that he radiates confidence, too.
This article about Atletico Madrid’s new stadium mentions the feeling of nostalgia for the Estadio Vicente Calderon despite the new stadium’s magnificence. I only attended one game at the Calderon, Atletico v. Betis in 1981, but the atmosphere was brilliant, not least due to the large contingent of traveling Betis supporters.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/sep/18/a-stadium-called-wanda-opening-night-at-atletico-madrids-new-home
Happier with Laca than Morata. I
agree Morata is better in the air
and has started well for Chavski
but he doesn’t have a great goal
ratio over the last few seasons.
The reason he’s playing full games
and Laca is being eased in is that
we have more options up front
than the Chavs. If we thought
the Sanchez move was badly
handled then look at the clusterfuck
the Chavs have made of the odious
Costa situation.
Anyway, Laca is the better goal scorer
is my point and once he’s up to
speed I expect him to prove it 🙂
Read that Ronny article – quite
agree! Kola looks a good buy.
And thanks for the Athletico
one BT. It looks to have gone
ok for them but I wonder how
I’d have felt if we moved 20km
from Highbury. A bit strange maybe.
The Fabregas boat sailed for me
with the final season. Didn’t want
him back and don’t want him now.
Never quick and he’s got slower!
Xhaka played well against the Chavs,
his best this season. But needs to
be more consistent to prove a
better bet than Fabregas. I’d rather
have Santi than either 🙂
Cheers H. Nice stuff.
Cesc is a treacherous little rat and I would rather play with 10 than have him back. Xhaka has not set the world alight and looks average at best. I can’t remember a game where he dominated or ran the show. He needs to step up and make progress or he would be another one I would be showing the door.
Our midfield lacks creativity. The only players we have with those abilities are Santi and LJW. I will be amazed if Santi ever manages to make enough of a recovery to play any meaningful part again. As for Jack, I sincerely hope he can put his injuries behind him and he gets some game time. He might then have one final chance to become the player we all hoed he would be. Hopefully he will get a run out on Wednesday night.
Spot on … http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05ghz48 … the whole vibe seemed more relaxed without them
Clive @18, great recommendation.
An excellent and thought provoking article on our ‘tank’. Well worth the read.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/sep/18/sead-kolasinac-arsenal-missing-muscle-arsene-wenger
Does he have a brother/cousin who plays central midfield perchance?
Only just watched the game and thought the draw a fair result and a good point won. A couple of early misplaced passes aside I thought Xhaka played well and although not a great fan of Ramsey I thought he had a really good game, showing some defensive positional sense as well as attacking adventure.
I read that Conte is bemused by the number of red cards his players have picked up recently. I agree with Trev’s observation in the last drinks that the way he carries on himself on the touchline – running up and down like a loony and getting in officials faces – may well be part of the problem. Long may it continue.
UTA.
On a completely different topic, a gay friend of mine was telling me last week that the FA are advising five PL players who are going to ‘come out’ together before Christmas . In one way I think this will help the gay community , in another it’s a reflection that football treats sexual orientation so differently from other sports where it is a non- issue.
I don’t know the identity of any of them or the clubs they play for.
Bath , Clive and Countryman
Thanks for good contributions and the Barney Ronan article. The Tank is indeed looking like a legend in the making. The miracle was that such a dangerous and ill- advised tackle by Luiz did not break the Tank’s leg – or Luiz’s come to that !
I saw for the second time on Sunday, Xhaka and Ramsey looking like the midfield combination that Wenger obviously be,Jeeves they can be. They were superb in the Cup Final and very good on Sunday. Kante gets huge plaudits but every time I see him he gets overshadowed by Xhaka!
Xhaka is very inconsistent and it is a sign of his inconsistency that I haven’t made my mind up about him yet. He is on that pile of players who have enormous ability but fail to show it consistently. Diaby was another, mainly because of injuries, he could have been a wonderful player. I iliked Denilson , when I first saw him( but not for long!), admired Hleb.going further back I saw real quality in Stefan Schwartz but every one of them failed to do it consistently. I’m led to believe that Fabregas has a place in his heart for Arsenal but like Steve T I felt he behaved poorly when he left and I was surprised when I heard the rumour ( which came from a Chelsea source) that there was even a possibility of him coming back. We had ample opportunity to sign him but Wenger went with Ozil. The difference now is that Ozil won’t be here next season. I suspect that we might see more activity in January than we’ve seen before , certainly on the sales side when Wenger realises the financial cost of his bizarre decision to retain Sanchez and Ozil for a season . That may have spurred the Fabregas rumours. As a player I really liked Fabregas and in his time here he made a huge impact but I hope he enjoyed his brief, inadequate sojourn at Barca. It changed his relationship with Gooners everywhere although some would take him back. I think his legs have gone .
Sorry Believes not Be Jeeves!
Fabregas at 30 is not the same player who left Barca, not to mention the one who went there
Seems to be a month out for
Danny. Hopefully an actual month
and not an Arsenal 3 weeks.
Similar team against Drovers as
Koln?
Drovers seem to be struggling in
League One so hopefully we can do
a little better than nicking it on
penalties this time.
@countryman100
“The best passer of a football I have ever seen…”
Wait until you see Cazorla.
TERS @ 36. Of course I’ve seen Cazorla in practically every game he’s played for The Arsenal (was this a joke or are you just saying you prefer Santi?) I love him as a player. He’s the most two footed player I’ve ever seen. His close control is incredible. You couldn’t get the ball off him in a phone box. He brings joy to every game you watch him play and I can’t wait for him to come back.
But he can’t play a defence splitting pass like Cesc can.
Have you seen Fabregas play?
Cesc again???? are we not over him still? he laughed at us and left and we want him back for what? deep lying midfielder ala pirlo?? hahha, he was pathetic against us sunday. I never would want him anywhere near the coloney and i am wondering if that picture of his is taken off near the stadium. He coming out and saying again and again that Arsenal is in his heart etc and people lap it up as if he means it? Ozil over him any day for as ever we do not value what we have and we want someone who passed us a long time back.
Doncaster tom and time to see jack again. now how about a proper run in for Reiss as well as chambers??
I’ve stated my view and I’m entitled to it! Now buy me a pint and agree to differ!
Definitely looking forward to The Emirates tomorrow and watching the second string. As well as Reiss Nelson I’ve love to see if the fuss about Nketiah (who’s been free scoring for the U23s) is warranted. Wenger says it will be similar to the team against Cologne.
countryman @37
I’m sorry, I forgot to add a smiley at the end of my comment. I was joking, and simultaneously saying that I (very much) prefer Cazorla. 🙂
For the last 2-3 years we’ve been utilising him more as a defensive midfielder than an attacking one; it is possible to forget somewhat what he was like the first two years. I found him breathtaking. I have seen a considerable number of unbelievable through-balls by him, that should have ended up as assists. I remain convinced that he would have bettered Cesc’s assist record, if we had a more efficient finisher leading the line during those years.
I’ve seen and remember Cesc play. He is unquestionably my second favourite midfielder of the Emirates era!
get a room
sorry
?
I wondered where you’d been! How’s the takeover? Do I still have a job?
c100
as long as i am a shadowy figure in the background
your employment is gooner-fastened
ooooohhhh
45
like what a record
is
Cba will you be going for 78 as well then?
Always preferred 33 & 1/3 myself.
Evening all. Funny how we get fewer visitors when we play well.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>