It wasn't a classic match, with the occasional half chance being as close as the two sides came. In truth, we didn't look like scoring and neither did they, so both sets of fans would have taken the 0-0 score line which seemed inevitable after sixty minutes. This was of course, before the luck factor came in, as Drogba unintentionally managed to flick the ball past Lehmann with the outside of his knee. So Chelsea got the win, which will no doubt be a set back for us, but with the game coming so early in the season there is plenty of time to recover from it. One positive to come from Sunday was the atmosphere. Now that the away fans are situated in the Shed End, we are able to totally out sing Chelsea, and that was the case here.
Arsenal Man of The Match – Kolo Toure
Jens Lehmann (7) He made one excellent save from Robben in the first half, and swept around the area to good effect. He couldn't do anything with the goal, as that was a total fluke.
Ashley Cole (7) Should have had a penalty in the first half when he was brought down by Gallas, and got forward well.
Philippe Senderos (6) Did what was required, but looked a little nervy at times.
Kolo Toure (8) He was immense at the back. His numerous hard tackles and interceptions proved invaluable as he stopped Chelsea creating any clear goal scoring opportunities.
Lauren (7) Kept everything away from his wing, neutralising the threat posed by Duff, and Robben as the pair switched.
Robert Pires (5) Never seemed to be in the game, with his passing often inaccurate and his commitment level way below what it should have been.
Cesc Fabregas (6) Good attacking play, but at times he was over run by the Chelsea midfield.
Gilberto (7) Sound play, with defensive work throughout the match. His passing was good, and his tackling excellent.
Freddie Ljungberg (N/A) Injured after 25 minutes.
Alexander Hleb (7) Brilliant attacking play, with accurate passing, good link up play and movement around the area. He also tracked back well, which helped snuff out danger down their right.
Thierry Henry (6) He just wasn't selfish enough. He was always looking for a pass rather than a shot, and this was what we were lacking.
Subs:
Robin Van Persie (7) Replaced Freddie early on, and made plenty of running throughout.
Mathieu Flamini (6) Like for like with Fabregas, brought on with just five minutes to go.