Effectively, given the circumstances, it was an uncommon consequence for Chelsea.
Admittedly, Enzo Maresca’s aspect would have gone into the sport on the lookout for a win, however contemplating Arsenal are prime of the Premier League, the factors weren’t unhealthy and saved them nicely inside hanging distance.
Moreover, when Moises Caicedo was despatched off within the first half, it felt prefer it was not a query of if, however when, the Gunners would take the lead.
There was sensational play from everywhere in the host workforce’s pitch, together with one monster who saved the Ecuadorian worldwide from the focus.
Chelsea’s standout star
One in all Chelsea’s finest gamers tonight, and for that matter all season, was Robert Sanchez.
The Spanish shot-stopper has come below heavy criticism lately, however was glorious towards the Gunners.
His passes have been usually on level and his assortment of crosses was environment friendly, in addition to some top of the range stops, corresponding to Gabriel Martinelli’s shot within the first half.
One other crucial participant for the Blues was their incredible captain, Reece James.
The Englishman once more began the match in the midst of the park, which was, within the phrases of presenter Olivia Buzaglo, “big”.
In 94 minutes of play, he offered an help, made two necessary passes, gained 100% of his tackles, gained 11 of 12 duels, was not penetrated in any respect with dribbles, recovered the ball twice and accomplished 100% of his dribbles.
It was precisely the sort of efficiency the workforce wanted from their captain after Caicedo was despatched off within the first half.
However there was one other starter who performed an equally necessary function within the victory and really saved the Ecuadorian blushes.
Chelsea participant who saved Caicedo
After Caicedo was despatched off, there was hope that Arsenal would finally wrest management again from Chelsea and take management of the proceedings.
However the Blues clearly had different concepts.
Simply three minutes into the second half, James fired an excellent nook kick into the Gunners’ penalty space, and Trevor Chalobah stood as much as head it dwelling.
It was a well-worked set-piece and an excellent header that appeared to shock the guests, giving the Stamford Bridge followers a cheer and a distraction from the pink card.
However whereas that was essentially the most memorable second of his sport, Chalobah wasn’t simply scoring, he was additionally lively on the again and confirmed nice on-the-ball abilities, popping out from behind on quite a few events.
Unsurprisingly, he additionally made fairly an impression on the watching press, with the Customary’s Dom Smith giving him a match score of 8/10 at Full Time.
The statistics of the 26-year-old participant additionally absolutely justify such an evaluation.
Charova match vs Arsenal | |
|---|---|
minutes | 94 minutes |
the purpose | 1 |
Sort out (win) | 1(1) |
clearance | 6 |
accumulate | 4 |
Floor Duel (Win) | 2(1) |
Aerial Duel (Win) | 5(4) |
dribble move | 0 |
contact | 52 |
shot | 1 |
foul win | 1 |
All stats by Sofascore | |
In 94 minutes of intense competitors, the academy graduate gained 100% of his tackles, accomplished six clearances, recovered the ball 4 instances, gained 5 of the seven duels, was not dribbled via, obtained 52 touches and gained one foul.
It was one other efficiency from the Englishman to show he’s greater than only a stopgap till the membership spend massive on a brand new defender.
Or, as Gary Cahill stated in an interview hours earlier than the sport, he’s “Chelsea’s most underrated participant”.
They could not have gained ultimately, however Chelsea put in a sensational efficiency to choose up a degree towards Arsenal, with Chalobah alongside the likes of Sanchez and James saving Caicedo from the headlines.
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