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Mikel Arteta was denied his dream home debut as Chelsea snatched all three points at the Emirates with a late 2-1 victory. The Spanish boss set his side up beautifully early on, denying the Blues space and time on the ball, and they netted a goal after just 16 minutes as Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang headed home from close range.
However, the good work would be undone late on. First, an error of judgement from goalkeeper Bernd Leno allowed Jorginho to tap the ball into an open net, then Arsenal’s misery was compounded not long after with Tammy Abraham slotting home from close range to complete a famous smash and grab win. It’s a result that leaves Arsenal 11 points adrift of fourth place and in the bottom half of the table.
Positives
From a fan perspective, the intensity and improved levels of effort will be especially pleasing. From the very first whistle, Arsenal denied Chelsea the space that they craved, pressing high, while also staying compact defensively. Mesut Ozil looked to be in inspired form under new management, contributing with both crisp passing as well as sustained effort.
Negatives
Calum Chambers‘ knee injury is a worry that Arteta does not need, but the new manager’s biggest headache will come from Leno’s late goalkeeping mistake. An error from the German keeper cost Unai Emery a number of points throughout his tenure and he did so again at a vital time. After that, it always looked like Chelsea would capitalise and score a winner, which they did when Arsenal committed too many bodies in attack once more.
Manager Rating (out of 10)
8 — In what was his home debut as Arsenal manager, Arteta got his tactics spot on from the start. So much so, that it forced his opposite number Frank Lampard into a tactical switch after just 33 minutes. Reiss Nelson‘s inclusion was justified, while the renaissance of Ozil, who looks reborn, was also a masterstroke. Faced with an ever-growing injury list, it was close to the best he could have possibly done in testing circumstances.
Player Ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK: Bernd Leno, 4 — The German misjudged a free kick, allowing it to fly over his head and into the path of Jorginho, for Chelsea’s late equaliser. This was followed up by Tammy Abraham’s goal where, once again, Leno could have done better as the ball went through his legs. A day to forget.
DF: Ainsley Maitland-Niles, 7 — Energetic, intuitive and assured, the England under-21 star was in fine form. Going forward, he formed an excellent understanding with Nelson, with Arsenal looking most dangerous down their right-hand side.
DF: Calum Chambers, 7 – In what was a brief cameo, the English centre-back performed well, stepping out of defence comfortably on a number of occasions. He also provided the headed assist for Aubameyang’s opener, but had to be replaced not long after due to injury.
DF: David Luiz, 7 – The Brazilian had one or two customary moments of madness, but overall it was a fine defensive display up against a threatening Chelsea attack. He picked up a yellow card in the second half, but balanced that indiscretion out with a number of crucial last ditch blocks.
DF: Bukayo Saka, 7 – A mature display from the youngster at left-back, despite having started the season as a winger. It may not have been a spectacular performance, but the England youth international looks like he belongs at this level.
MF: Lucas Torreira, 6 — Playing in a double-pivot alongside Matteo Guendouzi, the Uruguayan had a big hand in winning the midfield battle against N’Golo Kante and company in the first half. His energy was notable from kick off, helping to turn over possession on a number of occasions, as Arsenal swarmed the Chelsea midfield to tremendous effect early on.
MF: Matteo Guendouzi, 5 — The 20-year-old recovered well from an early yellow card, helping his midfield partner Torreira break up Chelsea counters. However, his previous good work was undone by a stray header that set up Chelsea’s match winning counter-attack.
MF: Mesut Ozil, 8 — The World Cup winner was instrumental throughout, showing glimpses of brilliance from the opening whistle. It was the German’s corner kick that led to Arsenal’s opening goal, in what was a very welcome return to form.
FW: Reiss Nelson, 7 – Full of energy and ambition, Nelson set an example for his teammates in an exciting first-half performance. He gave Emerson plenty to ponder down the right, providing intelligent runs, as well as dribbles forward that often drew fouls or corners. An excellent start to life under Arteta.
FW: Alexandre Lacazette, 7 — His hard work and movement was a persistent nuisance to Chelsea, but he’s still struggling with his finishing. Leading the line, he linked up well with both Aubameyang and Ozil, to create a dangerous Arsenal forward line.
FW: Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, 7 — The striker found himself on the scoresheet once more, with a superb headed goal after just 13 minutes. Playing largely on the left, it was a reminder to his many detractors of his true quality, with the Gabon international also carrying out his defensive duties effectively.
Substitutes
Shkodran Mustafi, 6 — Introduced after just 23 minutes following an injury to Chambers. The German defender equipped himself well after coming on, but will be disappointed to have not stopped Abraham’s winner.
Joe Willock, N/A — Had a real chance to make it 2-0 but blasted wide when he replaced Ozil.
Nicolas Pepe, N/A — Offered little.