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#1 Defensive Lapses
Bellerin had a thoroughly abysmal game, bar a couple of good crosses. Often failing to keep his man in check and not really in sync with Mkhitaryan on defensive overlap, the Spaniard proved to be a weakness on Arsenal’s right flank.
Marcus Alonso and Ross Barkley fully capitalized on this, and if it weren’t for Cech’s saves, Chelsea could have scored more.
The centre-back pair of Mustafi and Sokratis did not fare too well either, with neither proving a good enough outlet for the ball to be played out from the back. Their lack of confidence on the ball and the inability to hold on it under pressure meant Cech had to resort to the aerial route and hope for the best.
Xhaka’s ineffectiveness in midfield was also detrimental to the Gunners’ overall ability to defend as a unit, the lack of communication unmistakable.
At times, the hosts carved Arsenal open with the easiest of a pass or a lob (leading to Chelsea’s second), catching the visitors unaware.
If Arsenal are to perform as a balanced team, their defensive lapses, inability to focus and close out spaces/passes are key areas to work on. Emery certainly has a task on his hands.
