(Football news) After 3 draws and a loss, Arsenal bounced back with an incredible 3-1 win over Chelsea. Gabriel Martinelli, Thomas Partey, and Rob Holding didn’t put in a good performance against Manchester City and Mikel Arteta responded by putting the trio on the bench. Jakub Kiwior started for the first time in the Premier League while Jorginho was also in the line-up against his former club. Leandro Trossard who was playing well after coming on was rewarded with a start. Frank Lampard started Chelsea in a 4-3-3 formation with former Arsenal player Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang up front. January signing Noni Madueke started for only the 3rd time in the Premier League.
Arsenal started the game with great intensity as they attacked relentlessly. After dominating possession, the Gunners finally broke the deadlock in the 18th minute as Granit Xhaka assisted Martin Odegaard. Six minutes later Chelsea had a golden opportunity to equalize but Ben Chilwell’s shot was saved by Aaron Ramsdale. In the 30th minute, Arsenal doubled their lead as Xhaka once again set up Odegaard in a similar fashion. Three minutes later Gabriel Jesus scored a scrappy goal to make it 3-0 to Arsenal. Xhaka had a chance to get a 4th in the 52nd minute but Kepa Arrizabalaga pulled off a good save. Chelsea did get a goal back via Noni Madueke but it proved to be a consolation.
The 3 points takes Arsenal above Manchester City who still have 2 games in hand. This performance will be a massive confidence booster for the Gunners for the final part of the season. They will be very keen to keep the pressure on Manchester City till the last game. Chelsea are in deep trouble as they could head into the relegation zone anytime now. Frank Lampard needs to change things up massively as they have to start winning games soon. The season has been embarrassing for the Blues but it could get worse. Their next game is away against Bournemouth while Arsenal will play away at Newcastle.
Also read: Did Real Madrid make a mistake by not signing Fran Garcia in January?
