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.