Last night’s match against Chelsea was billed by some as the most important league game Arsenal had played at the Emirates.  Whilst I think this might be a slight exaggeration, there can be no doubt that the game was of high importance.

Wet and Windy

Had it not been for the immaculate nature of the pitch at the Emirates there is a high chance that the game would not have been played. The weather in north London had been appalling in the run up to the game and this did not change as the 22 players battled through monsoon conditions on the nights.

The conditions meant we were treated to a large amount of wayward balls especially from Arteta to Walcott.  On more than one occasion the young winger was visibly upset with the quality of the balls from the midfield.  Hopefully we can definitely put this down to the wind.

Due to the high class of the opposition and the scrappy nature of the game I would much rather have seen Flamini place of Arteta as I believe it is becoming clear that Arteta is beginning to struggle in big games in a way that Flamini does not.

Flying Wings

Much was made of our lack of scoring opportunities last night, which I think is an unfair charge. Mourinho’s Chelsea are famous for being a well drilled, defensive side and it has been noted that this is a quality Mourinho is looking to bring back to his teams.

We looked most likely to score when either Gibbs or Sagna made a bounding run down the flanks.  I think the pair had a highly impressive game, especially Sagna who put in some vital challenges in defence as well.

Lucky Chelsea

I’m personally not one for ref bashing as I agree it is a pointless endeavour but I feel something must be said about a far too lenient ref.  Frank Lampard, Mikel and Ramires put in awful slide tackles none of which I felt were properly punished. Mikel especially was lucky to be on the pitch.

This is without mentioning the near kick to the face that Mezut Ozil received from Ivanovic, which again was ignored, and the penalty against Theo Walcott that I feel had he had a definite case for.  I appreciate the conditions make it more difficult for the referee but there is a line and I think the ref handed out one too many poor calls last night.

Take the draw

We always knew the last few games were going to be a real test of our teams metal and it could be argued that we didn’t perform as well as we could or should have done.

But facts are facts; we’re second only by goal difference at Christmas.  If someone had said after the 3-1 home defeat to Villa that this would be the case I would have laughed.  Our next game is away against West Ham whilst Man City’s is against a highflying Liverpool. Failing to win that game could mean we rise straight back to the top which is a real possibility.

Half a season down and the Gunners have delivered a great present in their league form.  Merry Christmas and lets get excited for what will definitely be the most exciting conclusion to an Arsenal league season in a long while.

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