Impressions as we go – Chelsea v Arsenal

Ok, the following are my ramblings recorded in real time during the Chelsea v Arsenal game on NBCSN…

Here we go…

2:15 pm – The starting XI is announced.
Leno, Bellerin, Mustafi, Luiz, Saka, Torreira, Xhaka, Pepe, Ozil, Martinelli, Lacazette
My biggest surprise is both Bellerin and Saka are starting at the fullback positions. I’m also disappointed that Rob Holding is still on the bench, with Mustafi and Luiz as the defensive combo..

3:00 pm – While waiting for our game to come on TV, the Aston Villa v Watford game is currently playing. I got to tell you Watford is in a real resurgence. The Hornets play hard and leave it all on the field. What they lack in talent and class, they make up for in commitment, blood, sweat and tears. Nigel Pearson has done a great job at Watford since taking over on December 6th.

3:11 pm – David Luiz comes out of the tunnel for the first time at Stamford Bridge in red and white. Very weird to see, actually.

3:15 pm – And, we are off!

3:16 pm – Saka has a chance, but puts it high and over the bar.

3:19 pm – Good hustle by the lads at both ends, except for Ozil who seems be be his usual tentative self on the defensive end.

3:22 pm – Chelsea has a good chance in our box but Mustafi blocks, and is injured.

3:25 pm – Arsenal struggles again on defending a set piece. They almost give one away.

3:27 pm – Chelsea are high-pressing giving Arsenal a lot of problems moving the ball out of the back.

3:29 pm – You can begin to feel Chelsea taking control of the game.

3:31 pm – Chelsea now has 6 corners.

3:34 pm – Saka is struggling, and Chelsea keep attacking him.

3:38 pm – Chelsea are also putting pressure on Mustafi’s ball-handling skills at the back. He’s a mess, and keeps losing the ball.

3:40 pm – DISASTER! Mustafi’s poor pass back to Leno forces Luiz to tackle Abraham in the box. Luiz sees straight red. Arsenal down to 10 men.

3:42 pm – Jorginho hits the penalty – Chelseas 1-0. SELL MUSTAFI AT HALFTIME!

3:45 PM – This will be a long night for the Gunners, and for all of us watching, too.

3:47 pm – Thank God for Bernd Leno.

3:49 pm – The game is beginning to look like a training session for Chelsea.

3:51 pm – Maybe this will expedite a move in the transfer window for defensive help. It has never looked so bleak!

3:53 pm – Arsenal are looking a little dangerous in the final third. Rob Holding is prepping to come on, then sits back down.

3:55 pm – Arsenal had a terrific spell of ball control, showing a lot of spirit, but got nothing from it. But, better.

4:02 pm – Halftime – Chelsea 1 – Arsenal 0

4:03 pm – First half thoughts. Arsenal has really dug themselves into a deep hole. Down 1 goal, with 10 men, and on the road. This will require some real steel from the lads in the second half to pull out even a draw. I will repeat, Mustsfi must go! We are so bad in the back it has become a joke. This can not go unnoticed. We need help, and NOW!

4:05 pm – Bathroom break and time for a refill of the Diet Coke.

4:17 pm – The second half begins. Arsenal had 0 shots in the first half, but 51% of the ball. No changes to the line-up.

4:21 pm – The team is working hard, and playing aggressively. Not sure how long they can keep this up.

4:25 pm – Chelsea seems to have lost some edge since halftime.

4:26 pm – Ozil off, Guendouzi on.

4:27 pm – Arsenal’s only hope are long balls and counters.

4:30 pm – For some reason, I am starting to gain some hope.

4:31 pm – Lacazette plowed to the ground on the break. We are looking lively on the counter.

4:33 pm – Xhaka is playing at centerback, and doing a solid job so far.

4:36 pm – MARTINELLI SCORES from a counter-attack off a poor Chelsea set piece. Pace, skill, and the perfect shot!

4:40 pm – Xhaka and Torreira both go down hurt. They are both up and ready to play.

4:42 pm – You can hear the Arsenal fans erupting with support!

4:45 pm – Lacazette off-sides, but Arsenal have taken the game to Chelseas. Positive change since Guendouzi came on.

4:47 pm – Torreira down again. But, he’s back up again.

4:51 pm – Maybe we should play with 10 men more often.

4:52 pm – Great save by Leno. Again…

4:53 pm – Rob Holding on for Pepe.

4:57 pm – Chelsea scores off their 15th corner of the game

4:59 pm – UNBELIEVABLE! HECTOR BELLERIN SCORES- Chelsea 2- Arsenal 2 – Welcome back Hector!

5:01 pm – Abraham misses just wide right. Whew!

5:02 pm – Joe Willock on for Martinelli.

5:06 pm – It’s all about the defense now!

5:07 pm – FINAL – CHELSEA 2 – ARSENAL 2

Final thoughts:
Arsenal played with 10 men for 64 minutes. They played hard, they played with heart, and at the end of the day, they played like ARSENAL!
I’m proud to be a Gooner today! Only 1 point I know…but what a point it is!

Cheers. Gunner1953