Chelsea drew with Arsenal 2-2 at Stamford Bridge in a Premier League match last weekend. The Blues only have themselves to blame as they threw away a 2-0 lead to settle for a solitary point. While goalkeeper Roberto Sánchez was to blame for Arsenal’s first goal, the Gunners scored their second through a perfect move.
The draw against one of the better and more consistent teams must have been heartening for the Blues’ supporters. Chelsea has had a very disappointing start to their season, but seems to have made amends during the past few weeks.
The improvement was evident for Chelsea
Mauricio Pochettino will take heart from the fact that his side has started performing as per expectations now. They have obtained seven points from their last three league matches. While they are still languishing in the 10th position in the league table, their recent form suggests that their position is bound to improve in the near future.
Chelsea played with Conor Gallagher as the No. 10, Cole Palmer as the false nine, and Mykhailo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling on the flanks for the majority of the match.
Gallagher looked more comfortable playing upfront than he did as a defensive midfielder and it also allowed Enzo Fernández to play in a slightly deeper role that he is more comfortable in. He joined the high press along with Palmer to keep the pressure on the Gunners’ defense.
Moreover, Moises Caicedo’s assuring presence as the No. 6 also lent solidity to Chelsea’s backline. He also seems to have gotten his act together after having made a forgettable start to his stint with his new club.
However, it was Palmer’s performance that caught the eye once again, as he combined with Sterling to give Arsenal’s defenders, especially Oleksandr Zinchenko, a torrid time.
The 21-year-old earned a penalty with a header from Sterling’s cross, converting it to give Chelsea the lead. He remains one of the most impressive youngsters in the league and his ability to play at the center of the attack is an added benefit for the Blues.
Mudryk, who has struggled to live up to the billing after he was signed for a huge amount, also scored on the day to get some much-needed confidence. He should continue to start on the left flank in the upcoming matches, thereby getingt more opportunities to prove his worth.
Some tough matches coming up
Chelsea faces Brentford next in the league, but will have to deal with a string of tougher oppositions thereafter. Pochettino’s men will have to play Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester United in succession, which could be tough ask for any side.
Chelsea will have to ensure that they keep up their improved display past November and pick up as many points from their next six league matches as possible. A top four or a top six finish is still very much on the cards, and should therefore be confident of earning a place in Europe next season.