Arsenal and their supporters should not going quietly within the Premier League title race because the taunts of these labelling Mikel Arteta’s aspect as chokers have been thrown again within the face of dismal Chelsea.
Metropolis nonetheless have two video games in hand and are on one among their relentless marches however Arsenal, particularly within the first half, delivered a well timed reminder that they’re nonetheless within the hunt. It’s an emotion clearly shared by their supporters regardless of that current hunch of 4 video games with out a win.
The Emirates was alive earlier than kick-off and Arsenal ripped into Chelsea in a thunderous ambiance with out a trace of tension or frustration, helped by a whole fiasco of a efficiency from opponents who’ve misplaced six out of six below interim supervisor Frank Lampard.
It’s too simplistic to connect the label of chokers to an Arsenal aspect who’ve been excellent this season. They’ve been undone by particular person errors and lapses of focus slightly than a collective meltdown below stress.
Arsenal undoubtedly caved in at Manchester Metropolis final day trip, dropping 4-1, however they have been hit by a lightning bolt of a show from a world-class crew that will properly have crushed anybody on a magical evening at Etihad Stadium.
If something, this was an Arsenal displaying fuelled by a turbocharge of anger after that beating, such was the tempo and depth that overpowered Chelsea as they went right into a 3-0 lead by half-time.
Chelsea have been bullied, crushed, overrun and totally dismantled in that interval, Lampard’s administration now struggling extreme reputational harm by the hands of gamers who’re so a lot better than this however whose lack of effort and aggressive edge hints at one thing rotten on the coronary heart of this dysfunctional, money-squandering membership.
Arsenal have been again to the crew who’ve supplied such wealthy leisure this season, the crew that has made a title race of it by staying forward of Metropolis for therefore lengthy.
In fact, if they don’t win their first title since 2003-04 they have to regard it as a disappointment and a possibility missed, however Arteta and his gamers deserve nice credit score for the way they’ve carried out. The upward arc at Arsenal is evident for all to see.
Sadly for Arteta the evening was not with out its issues and an harm to key defender Gabriel makes him a critical doubt for Sunday’s robust task at Newcastle United, the place any absence can be exacerbated by Arsenal already having to compensate for long-term harm sufferer William Saliba.
Arsenal’s evening was achieved and dusted by half-time, maybe the one disappointment being a failure to present their aim distinction a push in the precise route, even conceding a aim when Noni Madueke pulled one again for Chelsea.
Captain Martin Odegaard led from the entrance with two crisp left-foot finishes within the first half, Gabriel Jesus then the beneficiary of some farcical Chelsea defending so as to add a 3rd.
Hope springs everlasting for Arsenal regardless of these current slips and it will hold the flame burning for a short time longer regardless of the lingering suspicion that Metropolis have now gathered that unstoppable momentum that has carried them over the road in even the tightest conditions as they search a fifth title in six season.
Arsenal no less than acquired the present again on the highway right here, any dents in confidence restored by a convincing victory – albeit in opposition to a Chelsea aspect who rolled out the welcome mat and whose obliging nature was the proper remedy for any lack of self-belief.
Metropolis can return on prime with victory in opposition to West Ham United on Wednesday and can nonetheless have a sport in hand. There’s rising conviction supervisor Pep Guardiola will get his fingers on the Premier League trophy as soon as extra on the expense of former right-hand man Arteta.
Arsenal, for his or her half, did all they might in opposition to Chelsea and should now hope the playing cards fall of their favour because the season reaches its climax.
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