It may have taken a set play to open the scoring, but it was a much improved performance from Chelsea overall, in just about every phase of play. Even before the (first) red card, we controlled the game to a large extent and made it fairly comfortable for our embattled back line. The red card created more gaps and we took advantage by creating a few more dangerous opportunities. Eventually we even scored another goal.
WINNER WINNER! Up to 7 points! Watch out, world!
- Certainly no lack of drama, and, as it tends to be, Diego Costa was front and center of it all. He got Gabriel sent off and managed to avoid a red card himself somehow. He may not have scored a goal, and he may not be gelling well at all with the rest of the team at the moment, but he's still having a game-changing influence on proceedings. He may not ever get a penalty decision, but I suppose that's the price we pay.
- Speaking of penalty decisions not called ... Gabriel on Hazard anyone? That was a rugby tackle if I've ever seen one. The defender wasn't even looking at ball!
- I think one thing we can all agree on is that Mike Dean had a rather horrendous and inconsistent game. There's good refereeing and there's bad, but the worst is inconsistent refereeing. And that's what he was. Then again, we won, so who are we to complain.
- Should be no complaints about Cazorla's second yellow. He lunged in, was late, caught Fabregas. Arsenal were lucky to escape a few more yellows after that, but Dean probably didn't want to send off another man.
- Bit disappointing to not get a second goal until very late, but three points was the singular aim.
- Back-to-back clean sheets. 2-0, just like last year in this same fixture. For now, the second goal has been credited to Hazard, but I wouldn't be surprised if it later gets reclassified as an own goal for Chambers.
- Don't look now, but Ivanovic had a good game (at both ends). As did Zouma & Cahill, outside of one slight mix-up that gifted Alexis a good chance.
- Next up, the League Cup. Let's keep the good times going.