Arsenal vs. Chelsea

1-2, Premier League, Emirates, 2012.09.29
Gervinho 43

Today the Arsenal team from recent weeks didn't show up. Simple as that. I, for one, didn't recognize this team, what happened to our quick and purposeful passing game? Today most of our passes were sideways, rarely quick, concise and straight to the point. Our strong defence didn't show up either. Part of that might be down to the fact that Mertesacker was on the bench, who has been brilliant at the heart of our defence so far this season.

Chelsea were the better team for most of the game, to be fair. We didn't start the game particularly well, it was rather even but then they got a goal from a set-piece when Koscielny failed to keep Torres under control. However, just before half-time we got back on equal terms when Jenkinson's cross found its way to Gervinho, who turned to face the goal and pulled off a remarkable shot from standing completely still! After that goal glimpses of brilliance were seen from us, but then came the half-time whistle and the team looked poor again when they took to the pitch in the second half.

The goal that decided this game made the loss even worse. Mata's free-kick was turned into the back of the net through a deflection off Koscielny, who were the only one near the ball, under no pressure whatsoever. Our attempts to find a second equalizer were rather tame except for two chances, one that Podolski had before being replaced where his header was saved by Cech. The last good chance we had was when Giroud managed to get around Cech, yet his shot was just wide of the goal.

This is obviously a massively disappointing result, our first defeat of the season. I just hope that we will see a different Arsenal on Wednesday when we host Olympiacos at the Emirates.

Injury Update;
- Sagna resumed first team training again since suffering from a broken leg in May, which is really good news even though Jenkinson has done great so far this season!
- Szczesny is about two weeks away due to his ankle injury