Mikel Arteta’s side recorded their biggest-ever victory over their fierce rivals on Tuesday as they moved clear at the top of the Premier League table
This time last year, Arsenal’s Premier League title bid was veering wildly off course, with a disastrous 3-3 draw against Southampton on April 21, 2023 and a defeat to Manchester City a few days later condemning their chances of domestic silverware to the scrapheap.
Flash-forward to the present and the Gunners look determined to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself this campaign. Their clash with a thoroughly unpredictable Chelsea side could have been a real banana skin, with the Blues taking points off a string of top sides – including Arsenal – this season. But Mikel Arteta’s charges brutally dismissed any doubts over their mentality in front of a delighted crowd, steamrolling their way to a record-breaking 5-0 win.
hightlight:
The pace was set for a breathless first half inside four minutes, when Leandro Trossard creamed an effort past Djordje Petrovic following an excellent burst forward by Declan Rice.
While Chelsea retained a threat on the counter and went close to scoring a few times themselves, Arsenal would have been scratching their heads as to how they didn’t get a second before the break. Kai Havertz was again guilty of profligacy, while Rice saw an effort fizz over and Trossard was somehow denied a brace when his deflected strike fortuitously cannoned off Petrovic.
These close shaves clearly sharpened Arsenal minds during the interval as they came out with a point to prove. Inside seven minutes of the restart, Ben White showed excellent composure in to convert in the box and Havertz then provided the finishing touches to Martin Odegaard’s incredible through ball to make it 3-0.
Arsenal continued to cut through their rivals with ease and further strikes from Havertz and White added more gloss to the scoreline. The result puts Arsenal three points clear of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table ahead of the Merseyside derby tomorrow, while Manchester City are four points back with two games in hand.
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Goalkeeper & Defence
David Raya (7/10):
Made a couple of good saves in the first half when Chelsea were knocking on the door.
Ben White (9/10):
Scored twice – although the second was probably an attempted cross. Defensively sublime, too.
William Saliba (7/10):
Spun by Jackson once in the first half, but was fairly comfortable throughout the rest of the proceedings.
Gabriel Magalhaes (8/10):
A real rock. Stopped Chelsea’s attempts to get in behind effectively.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (6/10):
Has been billed as Arsenal’s best one-on-one defender, but Madueke caused him a few problems. Comfortable after the break.
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Midfield
Thomas Partey (8/10):
Excellent on just his fourth Premier League start of the season. Keeping him fit could be decisive in the title race.
Declan Rice (8/10):
Created the opener with a superb drive forward. Was all over the place after that, strengthening his Premier League Player of the Year case.
Martin Odegaard (9/10):
Some of his mid-range passing was absolutely exquisite. No other player in the Premier League pulls off that assist for Havertz’s first.
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Attack
Bukayo Saka (7/10):
Turned Cucurella inside out with ease, but was guilty of taking one too many touches at times. Redeemed himself with a fine assist for Havertz’s second.
Kai Havertz (8/10):
Wasted a couple of early chances but the two goals he did score were expertly taken. Now has 12 for the season.
Leandro Trossard (7/10):
His powerful drive was too much for Petrovic to handle. Not massively involved thereafter, but plugged away.
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Subs & Manager
Jorginho (6/10):
Added some control against his former club.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10):
Wasn’t overly troubled at left-back.
Gabriel Martinelli (5/10):
Missed a one on one in the dying moments.
Gabriel Jesus (5/10):
Didn’t really get into the game, though it was a formality at that point.
Fabio Vieira (N/A):
Given a brief run out.
Mikel Arteta (8/10):
Got to field his ‘first-choice’ midfield three for the first time since the Community Shield. It was worth the wait, and Arsenal mercilessly turned the screw after half-time. The pressure’s on Liverpool and Manchester City now…
