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It was indeed a cracker of a game at the Emirates last night, which ended with Arsenal running away with the three important points against Chelsea. Unai Emery and fellow Gooners were immensely happy to see their players give in their hundred percent to secure the win because they have been really lacking the required dedication and motivation in the past few weeks.
Chelsea was considered the straight favorites to win the game, but Emery's pinpoint tactics and his pre-match dressing room talks have once done the job for Arsenal, not to take away anything from the players and the coaching staff.
Arsenal prepared extremely well for the game; both mentally and tactically. A loss to Arsenal would have taken them three points below Manchester United, who won against Brighton earlier in the day, and 7 points below 7th place. But a win has once again opened up the fight for the top 4.
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The game had several noteworthy points, and I am planning to discuss some of them. Here are the 4 reasons why Arsenal could defeat their arch-rivals Chelsea at the Emirates.
#4 High pressing by Arsenal
One of the major reasons why Arsenal could choke Liverpool to the utmost level last night was due to their high pressing. Unai Emery's tactics are pretty different from that of Wenger. Wenger preferred free-flowing football, with not many defensive duties for his attackers. But that is not the case with Unai Emery.
Alexandre Lacazette and Aubameyang provided their side with incredible defensive support, as Aubameyang even made 2 vital sliding tackles inside the box to dispossess Hazard. Relentless work rate, running all over the pitch, and winning the ball cleanly every time. Emery fielded a three man midfield, with Guendouzi, Xhaka and Torreira, and what a great decision that was.
The 19-year-old Guendouzi plays much better than most of the midfielders in the PL, and he is only getting better with time. A gem of a signing, indeed. Torreira and Xhaka once again showed how lethal they are when deployed together, and their pressing was on point.
Chelsea clearly succumbed to Arsenal's pressing and they were left helpless.
#3 Ramsey's insane man-marking on Jorginho
Though Ramsey did not play a significant part in both the goals, his off-ball movements and incredible man-marking did the thing for Arsenal yesterday.
As we all know, Jorginho is the player Sarri depends upon to control the tempo of the game. He has recorded the most passes this season in the Premier League and in short, he is the backbone of Chelsea. However, last night, he probably had the least touches by a player in a Chelsea shirt.
Unai Emery is a tactical mastermind, and he once again proved himself to be a world-class coach. The reason why he played Ramsey over Ozil is to provide that off the ball movements, similar to a box-to-box midfielder. He was a number 10 last night, but when it came to defending, he completely stuck to Jorginho all the time; an impactful performance by the Welshman.
#2 Alexandre Lacazette - The Big game player
It was once again Lacazette who opened the scoring for Arsenal. His attitude and confidence while playing against big sides have been sensational and when Aubameyang has an off day in terms of scoring, he steps up with ease.
Alexandre Lacazette opened the scoring in the 14th minute with an unbelievable right-footed strike into the top corner from a very tight angle. He has scored against every top 6 sides since the time he has joined Arsenal and has been such a vital player for the Gunners.
Last night, the Frenchman played a key role in using his upper body strength to hold the ball and play through balls to his fellow teammates. Alongside Ramsey and Aubameyang, he looks extremely lethal and also, I think Emery has found the perfect formation to continue his season with.
Lacazette deserves to start every game for Arsenal, and his chemistry with Aubameyang has paid off more than once. The Gooners had a few bad weeks, but I think they are happy to see Arsenal under Unai Emery.
#1 Koscienly and Sokratis' defensive wall
Arsenal has managed to keep only four clean sheets all season, against 20th place Huddersfield, 7th placed Watford and 11th placed Everton. Last night, I was surprised to see Arsenal play like an organised and confident defensive side. Laurent Koscielny, despite being sidelined for more than a season, played a very crucial part in yesterday's win and I feel he has won back the confidence of the coach.
The Arsenal board were right in keeping him at the club, and he has shown that he still has a lot left in him to provide.
On the other hand, we have the Greek wall Sokratis. One of Unai Emery's signings, though Sokratis took a bit time to settle at Arsenal, he has played considerably well for Arsenal. Inconsistency has been a point in Arsenal's defenders, but this win should be a new start for Arsenal. They have conceded 32 goals in just 21 games, and this a point of major concern for Emery and co.
Seems like this would be the preferred formation and lineup for every league game. Sokratis and Koscienly should start every game from now on, as Mustafi has lacked the quality required. Will this be a new start for Arsenal in their fight for a top 4 finish?
