Chelsea 0-1 Arsenal: 5 Hits and Flops as Emile Smith Rowe hands Gunners vital win against Blues

Flop: Callum Hudson-Odoi | Chelsea

After a rather dull first half from Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel tweaked his XI by sending on Callum Hudson-Odoi in place of Billy Gilmour to add a spark to his side. The decision did not work out in the slightest as the Englishman failed to add anything of note to their team.

Chelsea must really regret not selling Callum Hudson-Odoi to Bayern Munich for big money when they had the chance.The talent and moments of brilliance are still there with CHO, but at the end of the day it’s just not good enough from a player with so much talent.
— EiF (@EiFSoccer) May 12, 2021

Expand Tweet

With the exception of putting in a couple of useful crosses into the area, Hudson-Odoi lost the ball at a number of key moments. He wasn't direct enough, failed to combine well with either wing-back and was generally wasteful in the final third. Tuchel said before the game that Hudson-Odoi must live up to his full potential, and tonight's display is unlikely to please his manager.

Hit: Emile Smith Rowe | Arsenal

Emile Smith Rowe has been one of the brightest sparks in what has generally been a bleak campaign for the Gunners. The young English star put in a spirited and mature performance on the night against Chelsea and scored his second goal in two league games with a scuffed finish after Aubameyang set him up.

Even apart from his goal, Smith Rowe made judicious use of the little time he got on the ball and worked his socks off on the defensive front as well.

Emile Smith Rowe’s game by numbers vs. Chelsea: 100% conversion rate 90% pass accuracy 41 touches 6 ball recoveries 2 touches in opp. box 2 duels won 1 tackle 1 interception 1 shot1 goal Another great performance from the 20-year-old. pic.twitter.com/Rzct5I2FEC
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 12, 2021

Expand Tweet

He was a reliable outlet when Arsenal had the ball with his excellent close control and dribblin ability, bailing his side out on a number of occasions amidst Chelsea's unrelenting pressure. Solid outing for the promising youngster.

Flop: Jorginho | Chelsea

It was a game in which the Gunners failed to create any memorable goalscoring opportunities, and their only goal came from an absolute howler committed by Jorginho. The Italian sold his keeper short by playing a poor ball to him and his decision ultimately came to haunt him as the subsequent goal turned out to be the winner.

Apart from his error, he wasn't his usual efficient self with the ball, losing it in key areas and failing to cut open a stubborn Arsenal unit. It was far from a classic display from the in-form midfielder, who has grown into one of Tuchel's most trusted men in the middle of the park.

Also read: 5 Best Premier League players outside the traditional top 6 clubs