Arsenal 0-1 Chelsea : 5 Talking Points

Chelsea continued to be a bogey team for Arsenal as they consigned their hostile London rivals to a 1-0 defeat at the Emirates to complete an unprecedented league double over Arsene Wenger’ÂÂÂÂs side.The hosts were reduced to 10-men after just 18 minutes gone when Per Mertesacker was shown a straight red for his challenge on Diego Costa who appeared rather theatrical going down, but the Chelsea striker made the most of the one-man advantage when he struck just a few minutes later that would eventually go on to prove to be the match-winning goal.The Gunners were unconvincing for large stretches of the game but triggered a late rally in search of the equaliser. Courtesy to the brilliance of Thibaut Courtois and some resilient defending, Chelsea weathered the storm and clung on for a win.Here are some of the talking points from the fair-to-middling London derby.

#1 Costa remains a thorn for this Arsenal side

Diego Costa throws spanner in Arsenal’s work, again

Back in September when the sides first met in the league at the Stamford Bridge, Diego Costa was in the news for all the wrong reasons as he got Gabriel sent off in a tense affair that also saw Santi Cazorla been given the marching orders shortly after. Costa’s provocation game garnered himself a barrage of flak, but it mattered little in the game as the Blues ran out 2-0 victors.

Now in the reverse fixture, the Spaniard was the cynosure once again as he was involved in another red card and to make matters worse, scored the winner just minutes later. Costa’s collapse to the ground appeared a bit exaggerated in the replays, but the maverick forward made a meal out of Mertesacker’s tackle.

Costa had opportunities to double his tally later in the game, but Arsenal’s vigilance kept the tie open and he was subbed off late in the match due to injury fears. Nonetheless, he proved to be a whammy again for the North Londoners, who must have grown sick at the sight of him by now.

#2 Fabregas rises from the ashes

Fabregas was instrumental for Chelsea against his former club

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas was highly maligned for a string of putrid performances this season. He was even dropped to the bench many a times and grey skies had started to loom over his Chelsea future. But after dispatching a clinical show today, the former Barcelona man has eased some pressure off himself.

Booed and jeered by the home crowd every time he was in possession, Fabregas did not give two hoots about it and pulled the strings for his side with great aplomb. The Spanish international was heavily involved in the attack and also stemmed some crucial chances created by the visitors. He almost won a penalty for Chelsea when Laurent Koscielny shoved him in the area, but the referee wasn’t impressed.

Fabregas, though, was impressive on his return to his old stomping ground and deservedly bagged the ‘Man of the Match’ award at the end.

#3 Wenger\'s captaincy call seemed dubious

Theo Walcott donned the captain’s band against Chelsea

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger handed away the captain’s armband for the clash to Theo Walcott over the usual suspect Per Mertesacker. The decision triggered a flurry of contempt from the social media and even the fans were unconvinced.

The French gaffer probably made the decision to commemorate the striker’s 10 years with the club as Walcott completed a decade with Arsenal on the 20th of this month. However, the sentimentality did not go down well with everyone.

Though Walcott isn’t a bad player, he is certainly not a captainship material. The England international is nowhere near the commanding figure like the actual skipper Per Mertesacker, and did not look capable enough to shoulder the responsibility.

Arsene Wenger may be one of veteran managers in the Premier League, but his decision today made him look like a rookie.

#4 Arsenal\'s title challenge comes under scrutiny

Can Arsenal be really considered as a genuine title challenger ?

For maybe the umpteenth time this campaign, Arsenal’s title challenge has become a subject of debate. With their latest setback, to no one else but arch-nemesis Chelsea, the Gunners find their title bid sinking as they now trail leaders Leicester City by 4 points and have many questions to answer.

Whilst convincing wins over The Foxes, Manchester United, Manchester City and Everton made them look heavy favourites for the title, some costly slip-ups against West Brom, Norwich and Southampton have raised eyebrows. Still, Arsenal were expected to get the better of a struggling Chelsea in this tie, but instead, flattered to deceive.

Today’s result may not leave them far behind in the race, but it certainly brings their title charge under grave scrutiny.

#5 Chelsea still have some life left in them

Chelsea need to find some consistency after an encouraging performance

Although the head-to-record always pointed in their direction, but Chelsea today, played with conviction and belief, something that we haven’t seen much from them in this season. The Blues looked full of confidence and approached the game without the fear of losing.

The red card may have been a catalyst in their victory, but that's up for debate, for the holders were the better side going forward right from the word go. Clinical, quick, threatening and dominating, Chelsea ticked all the required boxes for a win and it wouldn’t be wrong to suggest that they were thoroughly deserving to walk away with all 3 points in the bag.

You can take this win with a pinch of salt as Chelsea still have a lot of work to do before they get back in contention, but today, they showed they still have life in them.