Chelsea 0-1 Arsenal: 5 talking points as Emile Smith Rowe seals smash & grab win for the Gunners | Premier League 2020/21

#3 Mikel Arteta's change in formation worked for Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta reverted to a back-3 for the first time since December to match Chelsea's shape, a tactic that helped the Spaniard achieve his objective.

Arsenal completely neutralized Chelsea's threat, especially in the second half. The Blues finished the game with 5 shots on target, 3 of them coming in the dying minutes of the game.

🗣"It is how we play, it is in our DNA." Mikel Arteta say how big that win was for Arsenal and says how they have been working on their press which resulted in their goal pic.twitter.com/F6aspQTBnP

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 12, 2021

Arteta has been criticized for his passive approach and build-out-of-the-back strategy at times, but his decision to field a lineup with a defensive mentality worked. Arsenal walked away with all 3 points against one of the best teams in Europe, justifying his selection and game plan.

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#2 Jorginho's horror show cost Chelsea

Chelsea's Jorginho in action

In the 16th minute of the London derby, Chelsea's midfield conductor Jorginho played a blind back-pass to goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Spaniard somehow managed to keep the ball out of the goal, but Aubameyang was at hand to square the ball to Emile Smith Rowe, who calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net to put Arsenal 1-0 up.

The sequence turned out to be the defining moment of the game, and Jorginho was unable to atone for his error. The Italy international was not his usual sharp self tonight, giving the ball away on various occasions. Jorginho had a night to forget and Tuchel will be hoping he redeems himself in the FA Cup final.

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#1 Thomas Tuchel's gamble didn't pay off

Thomas Tuchel on the sideline

With an eye on the upcoming FA Cup final against Leicester City, Thomas Tuchel made some key changes ahead of tonight's game. The German tactician started the game without starters like Edouard Mendy, Antonio Rudiger, N'Golo Kante and Timo Werner, a move that backfired completely.

🗣️ "It is totally our fault. We lost this game"🗣️ "I made too many changes. I am not happy with it" Thomas Tuchel was unimpressed with Chelsea's display against Arsenal pic.twitter.com/z3fEhPCG93

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 12, 2021

Chelsea were unable to break down Arsenal's low block, pinging hopeful crosses into the six-yard box. Apart from Kurt Zouma's looping header late in the second half, the Blues didn't look like they were going to score even if the match went on for a quarter of an hour more.

Tuchel's decisions have been on point for Chelsea so far, but tonight's tinkering certainly cost the former Borussia Dortmund manager's side 3 vital points against Arsenal.