Chelsea retained their nine point lead at the top of the table with a comprehensive win over their title rivals in a game that demonstrated just how accurate the current points gap between the two teams is in terms of showing just how much stronger Chelsea are than their London neighbours.
The reverse fixture earlier in the season was somewhat of a defining moment in Chelsea's season as Chelsea were bruised, battered and 3-0 down at half time and Antionio Conte decided to switch to his signature formation of three at the back at half time - and it was that change of formation that saw Chelsea go storming to the top of the league and win 13 games in a row. I even saw a tweet from one Arsenal fan who acknowledged 'We'd have been better off beating Chelsea 1-0 instead of 3-0 as hammering them has given birth to this Barca-esque team'.
Chelsea made one change from their midweek draw with Pedro coming in for Willian but ultimately remained unchanged from the team that had dominated the Premier League for the last four months. Much was made by the media of Arsene Wenger having to sit in the stands amongst Chelsea fans (due to his touchline ban) but I feel this was an attempt to make a story out of nothing as they always have seats reserved in the East Upper for managers/staff serving touchline bans and this has been the case for about 16 years or so.
A mix up with Courtois and the Chelsea defence almost let Arsenal midfielder Iwobi in with a shot - bit it was deflected around the post for a corner. After that, Chelsea took full control with their midfield dominating the show. They took the lead on 13 minutes when a Pedro cross from the right was headed against the bar by Diego Costa - before the ball dropped down and was headed in by Marcus Alonso. Alonso is becoming somewhat of an unsung hero for Chelsea - he has had a fair few critics regarding his defensive duties but the fact he has played every game in our winning run since we changed formations cannot be ignored. Arsenal fans though were furious that a foul was not given for Alonso's elbow making contact with Bellerin's head as he went up for the header - feeling that Alonso should have been sent off. It was a 50/50 ball though the fact Alonso's eyes were clearly on the ball mean it was correctly allowed.
Chelsea then started to create half chances and openings, with Costa shooting wide of the near post when assisted by Pedro, and the Spanish striker had the chance to put Pedro clean through on goal some minutes later but tried to take the Arsenal defence on and spurned the opportunity. Later in the half the roles would be reversed with Pedro spurning a golden chance to put Costa clean through.
Pedro himself would go close only for his left foot shot to be saved by Cech and out for a corner. (As a sidenote - Chelsea's corners haven't been that great lately I feel, either not clearing the first man or going to wide. I can't remember the last time we took a corner that led to at least a chance)
As the first half came to an end Arsenal created a few chances, with Courtois saving well from a Gabriel header and then on half time Ozil shooting low through a crowd that Courtois comfortably held.
The second half started well and Chelsea doubled their lead on 53 minutes with a wonder goal - picking the ball up on the halfway line, Hazard proceeded to dribble and bamboozle his way through the Arsenal defence and chip the ball over Cech for a sublime finish. For a player that received a lot of criticism last year for various reasons, he seems to be winning the Chelsea fans over again. One thing is for sure is that he is certainly better than Ozil, who was having another one of his 'missing' days.
No clear cut chances followed but Chelsea continued to dominate - with Kante immense in midfield winning every tackle. Gary Neville commented in commentary that Arsenals midfield of Iwobi, Oxlade Chamberlain and Ozil would not win you league - and it definitely showed. There was a flash point that will no doubt have been ignored by Arsenal fans still incensed about Alonso's 'foul' - and that was an elbow from Gabriel on Hazards face which was missed. Arguably more of a red card than Alonso but the media chose not to focus on it for some reason. Gabriel of course was sent off in the corresponding fixture last season when clashing with Costa.
Welbeck and Mustafi both went close with headers late on as Arsenal tried to get back into the game, but then the game was put to bed when two former players on opposing teams combined in a comical moment. Cech against his old club, seemingly forgot he was no longer a Chelsea player - or forgot Fabregas (who had come on as a sub) was no longer an Arsenal player as the Czech keeper passed the ball straight to the Chelsea midfielder who then lobbed him for number three.
Arsenal did grab a consolation in stoppage time with a Giroud header - a goal that I think Courtois should have done better with. Zouma - another substitute - should have been tracking him but he is probably still lacking some slight match fitness after his long lay-off. Lots of rumours that Courtois will be off in the summer. I am still not totally 100% convinced of how good he is as a keeper and I feel like if he really did want to move on to Madrid, then Chelsea should possibly make a move for Joe Hart, if City don't want him back of course.
So it finished 3-1 and at the start of the week, I'd have taken two draws but considering no one took advantage when we drew with Liverpool in the week, this is more than acceptable. Still nine points clear and having played most of our main rivals played twice accept for City, who we still have to face at home and United away. We're also still in the FA cup which I think, may become more of a priority the longer we stay in it providing our Premier League form continues to be good.
Plenty of reasons to be positive at the minute! Come on the Chels!
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