With these early matches, there is always a little worry that I am going to wake up early only to regret my decision. This season, that is becoming less and less of a concern.
Arsenal were the better team from the opening whistle and while it got nervy at 1-0 that was more a reflection of what was at stake than what Chelsea did.
A great morning to bring Arsenal back to the top of the table.
Headline: Defense wins Championships
Chelsea are a team that is struggling to create much. They are 10th in shots per 90 with 12 per match, they are 12th in xG per match with 1.2. Arsenal still came in and made them look even worse.
This is now their lowest xG match of the season with just 0.3 created here today. This is going to be tied for their lowest shot production of the season with just 5 shots, and 3 from open play. This will be their third fewest touches in the box as well (even then most of those came in a short burst where after a corner kick).
Arsenal’s defense in this match was smotheringly good. Chelsea could not get anything going. Look at the running Goal Probability Added chart:
It was fairly even in the first half, with Chelsea creating a bit of danger but still mostly Arsenal. In the second half? Nah that was all Arsenal.
In the second half Arsenal allowed just 2 shots, just one from open play. These were worth 0.15 xG. Arsenal dominated the ball with nearly 60% of the possession, they dominated in territory too, with 19 touches within 25 yards of goal compared to 5 for Chelsea and 23 Final third pass attempts to 69 (#NICE).
For all the concern lately about Arsenal up 1-0, there was not that today. From the 64th minute to the end of the match it was 3 shots to 1 for Arsenal, 7 touches in the box to 3, with a 68% field tilt. This was far from drop back and defend, even after Rob Holding came on.
A great defensive day for Arsenal.
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