Review: Chelsea vs Arsenal

Chelsea vs Arsenal

King Drogba made sure that during his stay at the Stamford Bridge his known as a nightmare to the Gunners. Since the Ivorian's arrival, Chelsea hasn't lost to Arsenal. His presence keeps on getting more painful for Arsenal, season by season. He has now scored 13 goals in his 13 appearances against Arsenal.

Didier Drogba and a sensational Alex freekick proved the difference as Chelsea ran out 2-0 winners against Arsenal on Sunday in a thoroughly entertaining end-to-end match.

Carlo Ancelotti decided to keep the same line up that he did against Manchester City. Although the Blues lost to City the other day, but they still showed that they were committed to defend their title this season.

Arsene Wenger, however, decided to give Jack Wilshere a chance instead of a much sparkling Carlos Vela. Facing problems due to injuries Almunia and Fabregas were on the bench for the Gunners. Almunia was replaced by Lukasz Fabianski.

As expected, the game started in an attacking fashion. Arsenal charged Chelsea in the first five minutes nearly scoring. First Marouane Chamakh got ahead of John Terry inside the penalty area to connect with Bacary Sagna’s cross to attack the ball but his headed chance flicked off the boot of Alex and went inches wide. Then, from the resulting corner, Laurent Koscielny found himself unmarked but seemed surprised as the Chelsea defenders and managed to head the ball over.It was difficult for Arsenal to break the back four of Chelsea. They were well organized and didn't give any room to the Gunners for creatng any sort of moves. Nasri was working all over the area to create chances and taking small runs every now and then so that he can find some room or space between the back four. But couldn't do so. However his quick feet did manage to create a chance when he worked the ball from left to right, finding Arshavin. Who left unmarked, took the chance. The shot was nicely taken but Petr Cech landed with an equally beautiful save to deny the Russian from scoring.

After waves of attack from the Gunners, Chelsea struck back. They adopted a counter attacking football mentality. As they tried to avail every oppurtunity they can get for counter attacking. In doing this so, they realized the weakness of the Gunners. Their lack of organization at the back. Their defence wasn't able to properly coperate together as they experienced some 'close to concede' moments. Drogba recieved a nicely worked pass from Essien as he beat the defender and took a powerful shot at the goal. Which was somehow saved by Fabianski.

For half an hour it almost looked like as if these two sides are inseparateable. However this was all changed, as Drogba once again showed that why should the Gunners be afraid of him. Ramires did some nice work in the midfield as he won two tackles. And then sending a through pass to the left flank to Ashley Cole who whipped a low square ball to Drogba. Drogba finding the ball slightly behind him, used the inside of his foot and then the backheel to turn the ball towards the goal. It struck the near post and into the net, leaving Fabianski stunned. Qouting the commentator, the goal scored was "Nearly Impossible". This was Didier Drogba's 13th goal in 13 appearances against Arsenal.

Arsenal started the second half like they did in the first. Playing attacking football.

There were plenty of calls for penalties from the Gunners but none of them was enough to make the refree grant one. Ramires made a life saving tackle when the young brazilian tackled Chamakh, nearly getting the touch on the ball to avoid conceding a penalty.

Couple of minutes later, there was action at the other end. Sebastian Squillaci's mistake nearly cost Arsenal another goal when his error switched the ball possession to Chelsea. And Anelka taking advantage made a run towards the goal. Fabianski stormed forward but couldnt take Anelka down. And somehow Anelka missed the goal, beating the keeper 1-on-1 and ending up in hitting the side of the net.

Nearly about 70 minutes in the game. When Chelsea had the possession, Anelka worked a very nice chip ball over the Arsenal defence as Ashley Cole made a run in the box, unnoticed. He, being unmarked, took his time. Shot and scored. Only to be declared offside by the Assistant refree.

Just when Arsenal thought they could still comeback in the game. As it was a slight lead of one goal. Their hopes were shattered when Alex took a fantastic curving free kick. And blasted the ball in the top right corner of the net. Leaving Fabianski helpless.

The final whistle blew a few minutes later. Chelsea find themselves on the top of the table with 18 points, while Arsenal are seven points behind the table leaders.