BREAKING Mikel Arteta’s stunning determination towards Chelsea because the Gunners drop factors
Arsenal came crashing down after a week spent seemingly on Cloud Nine.
The Gunners had been riding high, sitting atop both the Premier League and Champions League tables following a dominant home victory over Bayern Munich. But that momentum proved fleeting against Chelsea on Sunday.
The slick, fluid passing that Arsenal fans had grown accustomed to in recent weeks was quickly stifled in the opening exchanges. From the very first whistle, it was a fiery contest, with Chelsea battling and brawling for every ball.
Enzo Maresca’s side, no strangers to red cards this season, rattled Arsenal early – and dragged them down to their level, refusing to let Arteta’s men get an upper hand at any moment.
Chelsea walked the line of the law – Moises Caicedo even crossed it with a horrendous challenge that Peter Drury admitted he “couldn’t watch without wincing”.
This was a proper Premier League derby, challenges were flying in and arguments were had as Arteta failed to calm his team down – the Gunners were playing with their emotions rather than their feet.
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