5 Talking points from Chelsea vs Arsenal

The game at the Bridge began with a handshake between two arch rivals. That was followed by an hour and a half of drama and action.There were fights, red cards and a few goals. In the end, what has been the trend continued. Mourinho’s men beat Wenger’s Arsenal once again.The game was defined by few characters but the result is undeniably one that the home side will appreciate as it handed them their only second win this season in 6 games so far. The disappointment for Arsenal will not be softened by what they will consider a defeat that they did not entirely deserve especially on the back of the red cards that were dished out to their players.There was no handshake at the end of the match.This game has rarely seen it.Here’s looking at some key points and their inferences form the game.

#1 Costa is a lucky man

Diego Costa will thank his stars at having not been sent off. Be it the slap on Koscielny or the late tackle on Oxlade-Chamberlain just moments before coming off; Costa should have been on his way. In such a high voltage clash, it was the decisions regarding Costa that referee Mike Dean and his assistants faltered on. The former Atletico Madrid man did not even register a single foul in the game despite his antics.

Coming to the forward’s performance, one can say that the Chelsea number 19 was decent. He was better on the ball as compared to his performances this season. In the second half, he provided some great long balls to Pedro down the flank.

Nonetheless there is no denying that the Spaniard will have to calm himself down. Diego Costa will have to let go of that angry demeanour if he aims to get back to his best and guide Chelsea to greater heights.

#2 3 red cards in 2 games for Arsenal

A red card in midweek at Zagreb and two at the Stamford Bridge today surely means that now discipline seems to be a worry for Arsenal. Giroud got himself foolishly sent off on Wednesday night and Gabriel followed suit today.

Gabriels reaction seemed a bit too excessive and he paid the price for it.Santi Cazorla, on the other hand, went in for a tackle in the second half that could well have been avoided. Playing with ten men was difficult but being down to nine men against a Mourinho side will make your job impossible.

It cost Wengers men heavily in the end in both games. It leaves them with players short for the North London Derby against Tottenham in the Capital one Cup in midweek.

#3 Zouma has replaced Terry

Although a bit too early but based on today’s performance, Kurt Zouma has now officially replaced John Terry at the heart of the Chelsea defence. The Chelsea defence has been shambolic since the start of the season but today they were rock solid. The likes of Walcott, Sanchez and Ramsey hardly tested the Bosnian Chelsea goalie who himself had the quietest outing thus far this season.

Club legend John Terry on innumerable occasions has leapt up and headed a goal in for his beloved club. Zouma took over that task today. While Chelsea were looking for a goal, the French defender leapt up and scored a really vital goal which all the more would have cemented his place in the team.

#4 Walcott or Giroud

In the second half, Arsenal played some good football when Oxlade-Chamberlain came on. He combined well with both Walcott and Giroud before Arsenal lost control once again with Cazorla being sent off.

Sanchez showed sparks of his brilliance but not enough for a game of this pedigree. It is in arranging the midfield and the man up front that Arsene Wenger faces a tough task. He has got some great players but he is yet to get his combinations right. Walcott was good upfront during the week and was decent today but surely he lacks the goalscoring abilities of Olivier Giroud.

Arsene Wenger has to decide who among Walcott and Giroud he will prefer up front and he has to decide fast. Apart from that, Arsenal need Oxlade-Chamberlain to play right from the start.

#5 Fabregas and Hazard are back

Fabregas has so far been criticized for a lethargic start to the season. But today he let go of all that lethargy and put in a great performance in the Chelsea midfield. He delivered that great ball which Kurt Zouma headed in for Chelsea’s first goal. Apart from that, he combined well on a few occasions with Eden Hazard and will surely be delighted to have picked up three points against his former club.

The Belgian midfielder has been lacking confidence and that was evident as he missed a spot kick on Wednesday night. But just like Fabregas, he turned that around today. He made some good runs and was a constant threat down the left wing. For all his efforts, it was nice to see that Hazard was rewarded with a goal almost at the death.

Fabregas and Hazard were integral players in Chelsea’s title win last season and their return to form will be a boost to Jose Mourinho who would like to get his season up and running as his side aims to defend their title.