Bellerin, who has been beaten repeatedly, gives up a pk. Cech saves the weak kick. Chlesea get a corner and another barely contested header but this one goes well over
More lost possession and another Cech save. This midfield is Guendouzi plus 2 empty shirts. So Chelsea are pressuring Guendouzi since he is only one getting ball. Both our FBs have given the ball away more than taken it away. Lucky to be down 1-0.
Ozil switches sides and we finally get off a wild Smith Rowe shot near edge box. Still our best attack in 20 minutes.
Elneny finally getting on ball some which eases pressure on Guendouzi a bit. Might we get a barely functional midfield this game yet? Last 10 minutes definitely Arsenal's best. Guendouzi misses outside post shot.
Mkhitaryan to Bellerin to hopeful cross well past Aubameyang. Minute later decent backheel pass in box between Smite Rowe and Kolasinac but end product doesn't reach Mkhitaryan.
Hudon-Odoi breaks offside trap (according to linesman). Cech gets piece of shot but it is heading in until headed out for corner by defender. Speed (almost) kills.
Cabellero messes up save of Bellerin shot/cross but Kolasinac doesn't get shot off of rebound. Game getting more sloppy from both teams.
Halftime 1-0 but for Cech saves and defensive header off line but we came back into game in second half of the half with some decent if flubbed chances and better organization and passing. Defense still looks super vulnerable.
Bellarin has been terrible. Ozil our wide seems to not work with our budget midfield. PEA had the best chance from miki who otherwise has been poor. We are screaming for a true winger and to stop relying on bellarin for crosses which rarely connect. Let’s see what Nelson can do. Are leichsteiner and torreira on the bench?
Half time Analysis Structure - It's just refreshing to see us have structure. I love the build up play and while I think we will go through some frustrating times, I think the structure is there. Pressing - I love that when pressing we actually get the ball back! Again, something that we will get better at through the season, and through players (Torreira/Ramsey), but I think we already are a lot better at pressing. I saw many times that we pressed and got the ball and made a nice counter. ElNeny - In the first half of the first half he was woeful, however he grew into the game. Like what he showed after the first 15 mins or so. However, can't wait for a better #4 in that role. Guendouzi - Dude is going to be good, all I will say. Defense - This defense will scare us game after game, and even concede some goals I am sure. But let's remember this is new to them so they will need time. Kolasinac - When he gets the ball I get scared. Auba - Actually surprised that his link up play was not good at all this game. Hope that improves.
Start of 2nd half. First half stats Arsenal 3 shots 0 on goal, 3 corners, 61% possession. Chelsea 10 shots 5 on goal, 4 corners, 39% possession
Correct if wrong, other more knowledgeable Auba watchers, but he's never been a very good passer AFAIK
Smith Rowe can't defend corners at all. He gives up another free header from corner. Should be 2-0. Almost mirror of Chelsea's first half goal.