But the visitors remained the better of the two sides in a largely low-quality game and Gabriel Jesus missed a great chance to reflect that on the scoreboard. At the other end, Chelsea’s rare forays forward generally ended in wayward passing or poor decision-making. It was more of the same in the second half, before Arsenal took the lead just after the hour mark thanks to atrocious corner defending. Chelsea’s response to going back was… not much of a response at all. Pretty tame, all told. Carefree.
Three changes from midweek, with Cucurella for the injured Chilwell, RLC for Zakaria and Silva back for a possibly not fully fit Koulibaly. Definitely a back-four, say 4-2-2-2 or 4-3-3, but Sterling stays wide right quite statically. Mount and Havertz in free roles, deeper and further forward, respectively. It’s safe to say that the tactical plan didn’t work very effectively or at all. Little signs of the supposed confidence boost from the midweek win, though plenty of signs of fatigue and lack of effort. Chelsea are still looking for our first win against Arsenal at the Bridge since 2018. Arsenal are back at the top of the league. Chelsea have dropped to seventh, level on points with Brighton but trailing on goal difference. Ironic, that. Next: Manchester City in the third round of the League Cup KTBFFH
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