Arsenal vs Chelsea: Community Shield Post Match Thoughts

In the weekend prior to the return of the English Premier League, the community shield was contested between Chelsea and Arsenal, last seasons league and cup winners. Many predicted a Chelsea win, due to them storming to the title last year, but this was not the case. In a fairly disappointing game, Arsenal came out 1-0 victors, leaving Mourinho with a few things to think about before the season kicks off next weekend. Neither side were particularly inspiring throughout, but one moment of brilliance from England international Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain led to Arsenal retaining the community shield.

There was no real surprise in the team news, the only man missing being Diego Costa, the man whose goals fired us to the title last year. He was out due to yet another problem in his hamstring. This left Loic Remy to start up front. Many were sceptical of this decision due to the arrival of Radamel Falcao on loan from Monaco, and in the first half, this opinion seemed valid. Remy was constantly caught offside by a well organised Arsenal backline and showed no real threat to the returning Petr Cech in goal.

A reasonably cagey opening 20 minutes where neither side looked to show the attacking prowess they are known to have was broken in the 24^th minute, when Oxlade-Chamberlain was released on the right wing by Walcott, and after being left in too much space by Azpilicueta, cut inside and fired into the top corner, leaving Courtois with no chance. Azpilicueta looked slightly shakey throughout, and this will leave Mourinho to further pursue another left back, after confirming in midweek he is on the hunt for some competition for Azpilicueta after Filipe Luis was sold back to Athletico Madrid. There has been speculation of a deal being agreed with highly rated Augsburg left back Baba Rahman, but Mourinho is yet to comment on who his targets are.

Source: chelseafc.com

As the game went on, Chelsea showed signs of last season’s title winning form, but were struggling to find an end product to beat the Arsenal defence. Star man Eden Hazard seemed slightly off the pace, but there were encouraging signs from the Brazilian Willian, who was being used in the centre attacking midfield role where many Chelsea fans think he is best suited to. He was using his quick feet and eye for a pass to beat players and he looked dangerous throughout. Towards the end of the first half, a great ball into the box from Remy left Ramires with a great chance 6 yards from goal. It seemed harder to miss than score, but he somehow missed the chance, heading over the crossbar.

The second half brought the introduction of new signing Falcao, as well as Oscar, and these changes did change the game a little. Oscar showed glimpses of the level we all know he is capable of, controlling the midfield, and striking a brilliant free kick in the 68^th minute, only to be denied by his old team-mate and Arsenal debutant Petr Cech. Falcao looked sharp, making good runs in behind the defence, and looking a little more like the Falcao of old. He was not really given much chance to show his clinical finishing, other than when he was put through on goal by a wonderful lofted ball over the top, only to be thwarted before he could get a shot away.

The ‘campaign against Chelsea’ rumours were once again milling around, due to three penalty claims throughout the match. Although all claims were fairly soft, it would not have been entirely unfair if one to be given, as Falcao seemed to be body checked by Monreal, and Fabregas by Mertesacker, but the claims were half hearted and left unrewarded.

Towards the end of the 90, we began to look more threatening, and a sublime Cesc Fabregas pass put Hazard through on goal. Many would have bet on him scoring but the Belgian skied the chance over the bar. The introduction of Giroud made Arsenal a little more threatening, and they themselves had two good chances to secure the win, and would’ve done if it weren’t for a great save from Courtois and a poor strike from Ramsey.

Overall, both sides were not at their best, both looking rusty from pre season. Chelsea looked the better team throughout, as Mourinho stated in his press conference. We showed more initiative and had more possession of the ball for large periods of the game, but could not find the finishing touch, which is likely to be down to us missing our top scorer last season, Diego Costa. The annual ‘curtain raiser’ did not leave either side with too much to get excited or worried about before the season starts, but both will need to improve on their performances if they are to challenge for the title come May.