Arsenal beat Chelsea for the first time in over two years to climb up to second place in the Premier League, while Chelsea’s poor run of form continues.
Chelsea had won the five previous encounters between to the two teams, while Arsenal were developing a reputation for capitulating every time they played another top team. Arsenal’s poor form against their title rivals has cost them dearly in recent seasons, and having recently lost against Manchester United, the Gunners looked to put yet another insipid performance behind them, as they strive to mount a serious title challenge this season.
Chelsea have now taken just 6 points, from a possible 24, in their last eight league games, which is their worst performance in the league since 1998. Manager Carlo Ancelotti may come under renewed pressure following another defeat. Chelsea’s chance of retaining their Premier League trophy now looks to be very slim.
Arsenal started the game brightly and continued to press the Chelsea defence, Chelsea’s only effort during the early stages of the game came from nemesis Didier Drogba, who had scored 13 goals in the previous 13 games against the Gunners, but his shot from some distance was wide of the goal.
As the Blues looked a shadow of free scoring the team who started the season, the Gunners increased the pressure, and it was no surprise when Alex Song scored after 43 minutes to give the home side a deserved lead.
Chelsea made a half time substitution, with Ramires replacing John Obi Mikel, but not for the first time this season, he failed to bring any inspiration to the Chelsea team. Fabregas put Arsenal 2-0 in front after 51 minutes and 90 seconds later Theo Walcott compounded Chelsea’s misery by adding a third goal.
With the game now effectively over as a contest, Chelsea made a an attempt to salvage the game, and Ivanovic headed a goal for Chelsea. With Arsenal’s recent poor record of maintaining a lead, the Blues looked for a second goal, but this time the Gunners weathered the storm and actually finished the game stronger.
Chelsea provided little in the way of inspiration and must surely now have relinquished their title, while Arsenal moved within two points of Manchester United, although they have played a game more.
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