post Chelsea match analysis

Arsenal overcame London-rival Chelsea after a 2-1 deficit on the first half. It's the second consecutive coming-from-behind after this midweek they beat Bolton 2-1 on the Carling Cup. Arsenal has shown a much better performance compared to the disastrous beginning of the season, where they lost 3 from 5 match, and now they are back on track to challenge for at least a champions league spot. Superb win on a full of action derby pulled Arsenal's to 6th spot, right below Tottenham.

Even defensively it wasn't Arsenal best performance, but they showed a great determination, being able to win after conceded and behind 0-1 and 1-2, could equalize and even take a lead. Arsenal also could re-take the lead after being leveled 3-3 by Chelsea, when Juan Mata scored an excellent long shot. Arsenal has been several times losing concentration and giving away their lead, ending with either defeat or draw, like when they succumbed on Blackburn game 3-4, after leading 1-0 and 2-1. Arsenal re-take lead after their opponent equalize a goal, especially on the last minutes, is quite rare. But now this week they did it, on Chelsea, on Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal was much helped by the absence of powerful striker Didier Drogba, but they started very shaky defensively, especially in the full back position, but fortunately Chelsea's attackers weren't clinical in front of goal. Wojciech Szczesny could be sent off after two foot kick attack on Ashley Cole. Per Mertesacker could be blamed for Chelsea's first two goal, even in the later game he made some good interception. Arsenal's best defender in the night is simply Laurent Koscielny, who very composed in the back line.

van Persie scores again (photos from Goal.com)


Offensively, Arsenal were clinical, also in the later game, not in the beginning. In the beginning they wasted several chances, as Gervinho missed, so did van Persie. However, van Persie didn't repeat the same mistake, as he scored brilliant hattrick on this match. Arsenal's passings were great, Ramsey creating the first Arsenal goal, giving a defence-splitting through pass to Gervinho. Ramsey-Arteta-Rosicky combo was also very fluid, and they both three seems to have a good understanding with each others.

Arsene Wenger also deserved to get praise as his half-time team talk boosted Arsenal's players morale. Right after the first half they could equalize via flying wing back Andre Santos, and took lead after Walcott netted the ball off Petr Cech. Coming from behind, especially on away games, is very hard, but Arsenal proved that it's not impossible. Arsenal has to admit they were helped by Terry's slippery, but they are deserved to win this game.

van Persie dependencia

Arsenal win for the three consecutive match after wrapping a 3-1 victory against Stoke City in Emirates Stadium. Gervinho opened the score receiving Aaron Ramsey's Fabregas-like chip pass, before Peter Crouch made it 1-1. After the introduction of Robin van Persie, Arsenal looked more lively and finally re-took lead after Robin van Persie converted Gervinho's assist. Robin van Persie scored double for consecutive EPL match after once again Gervinho provided nice pass to the Dutchman.

It's always good to win the game, but it's never good to rely on one player to win the game. Arsenal seems to have early sign they relying too much on the skipper, Robin van Persie. Arsenal seems find the Stoke defence far too solid to be penetrated before the talisman's introduction. However, just after Robin van Persie came off the bench, everything changed drastically. Arsenal's game improved a lot and by van Persie, they eventually scored two goals to seal the fourth victory on EPL.

Robin van Persie, someone Arsenal really rely to. (photos from Goal.com)

Last season Arsenal didn't rely on van Persie because they still had Nasri and Fabregas, but this season they really depend on the Netherland striker, not only technical needs but also as role model on the pitch, as the captain. But the dependence is getting higher and higher. Now, if van Persie plays well, Arsenal win, but if van Persie is playing poorly, Arsenal can't win.

It has been a long time since van Persie stays fit for one season, and Arsenal really need to provide plan-B without van Persie. Arsenal seems to lack of creativity on the attacking department without van Persie. Chamakh, who today given a start ahead of van Persie, can't contribute much. He is an ortodox hard-working target man, who doesn't comfortable playing alone upfront. He cannot offer something van Persie usually give, creativity. Park Chu-Yong is also not a creative striker. Wenger need to think more about the frontline without van Persie, just in case the dutchman is unavailable. Remember, he also only has less than two years in his contract. Should he not renew his contract, meaning he has to be sold next season, Arsenal has to be ready without the number 10.