The Nigerian impressed on his return to the side but the frontman’s profligacy would have left his manager perplexed
Not since the 5-3 game at Stamford Bridge in 2011/12 had a London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal entertained as much as this one. The 3-2 result of this latest encounter between these old rivals didn’t quite match the aforementioned meeting for goals, nor the supremely delightful, yet chaotic events that ensued, but that shouldn’t dampen what was a good game of football in West London.
Maurizio Sarri had promised fans of the Blues lots of fun at his unveiling, and going by this enthralling game it was nothing short of that. The west Londoners hadn’t triumphed against their cross-town rivals in five attempts, so this was a statement win for him at his embryonic stint with his new side.
Having played in Henrikh Mkhitaryan – via help from a Chelsea foot – to halve the deficit in the 37th minute, he finished with a powerful effort to force the Gunners back into the game at 2-2 four minutes later. He also created huge chances for Mkhitaryan and Aubameyang in a 25-minute spell for the north Londoners that saw them seize the initiative.
But there was even more atrocious finishing to come from the frontman.
Emery will look back on this game and wonder what might have been. The sport is a game of fine margins, and having faced a barrage of Chelsea attacks in the opening exchanges he would probably feel his side could have taken more advantage of their spell after falling behind. There are no ifs and buts in football, but going in at the break 3-2 up would have been a different ball game as his side would’ve had Sarri’s men on the ropes and playing catch-up.
Yet, he’d look at himself and question whether the decision to substitute the seemingly ineffective Xhaka for Lucas Torreira at half-time was the right one. It’s easy to look back on moments and analyze in hindsight, but it has to be said that the withdrawal of the Swiss playmaker – who had been booked – saw the Gunners cede lots of control to the Stamford Bridge club – who admittedly upped their game – after the break.
The Nigerian will feel his performance at Stamford Bridge gave the Spaniard lots to consider in selecting his future sides, and given the attacking midfielder stood up to be counted when his more fancied team-mates wilted, he can hold his head high after an exhilarating London derby at the home of the enemy.
sodclr
0
pls cech find ur way out 2 matches 5 goals
Paulus Neppy Muna
0
Emery must stop this style of using one Striker.if thy close him up or covered thn Arsenal is finished.he must use both of them lke the way Liverpool is using both two Striker.if th consetrate one and other 'll be free to score.tht style of using one Striker thts,s y Wenger did go well to his side.
Paulus Neppy Muna
1
Emery have to came bck January for transfer of Osumane Ndembele and Cornley Coma.Arsenal did hve wings who can give trouble to defender's like Them.we need wingers who can play lke Mane,Sane,Salah and Zaha.I hope by January if Emery still show interesting to the tegert he fail to bring this Summer,by January he 'll gt both of them or one.
Zecaou
2
Ermey should use lacazete plus Aub
ronbcdekrs
0
if IWOBI is given more chance, I think he will do well
wuaenp
2
I think Peter cech has over stayed. he should go pls
afronijasport
0
don't expect Emery to know arsenal players as much as you fans cos you dedicated your lives on while he only just started on economic basis.but he will come very good but in premiere and uefa league respectively. and these two matches will be forgotten. mind you westham won't go down cheaply.
Bedadelmt
3
I don't get why Emery should bench Lac and used only Auba, he must use both. Liverpool uses all their arsenal.. Upfront.
Sackinho
2
Goundouze was a bit lacking.
lifeiskachi
1
xhaka was a mistake waiting to happen, they shouldn't start him again abeg
juniorcosmas
1
Arsenal can do better
Pashal Obinna
1
please start Leno
faelpsuz
1
let lacazette, aubeyang and ramsy make first eleven in next week match and am sure you will see the new result and I bet for that.
Ngolebarca
2
I have a question is there no way aubameyang and lacazette can play together? Because I think playing them together will help Arsenal
faelpsuz
2
sharpen your strikers because missing obvious goals in EPL is suicidal. mark you excuses won't win trophies. Teams which are for league are 100%accurate arsenal are30% accurate to goal posts. Every team ready to win trophies have signed new managers and players. Look at Chelsea new manager and new players they have won 100% so far arsenal 0%.Do not excuse of big teams ,they are five in number, so if they all defeat arsenal what's need of being in premier league?
BAPPSPAULO
2
arsenal can continue to improve
Wales05
2
xhaka got booked in the game because he did the dirty jobs for geudouzi to maneuver around the pitch. Introduction of Lucas to the game was a mistake. I think Elneny can perform more better than he did. We did our best... next match will be great 👍🏿. Up gunners
L10NELMESSI
2
These players not going for placement while finishing instead they are going for power & they are doing it again and again..They are top players & playing at top level & still they are not learning.. Emery need to improve their finishing coz they are costly one which in the end points towards his coaching abilities and tactics
AkoKat
3
Good one my little bro #Iwobi
ahboy7187
1
wenger left arsenal because arsenal was hard to work with
hipdlnpstu
1
Pull up ur socks please
solotos
0
I presume arsenal try there best and let them try in there next match
prakashcr7
1
Name = unai Emery Job = Wenger