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Three best and worst performers in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Chelsea
Three Worst
Gary Cahill
Cahill was unfortunate at Swansea when Leroy Fer kicked him in the calf and raced through to score, but to repeat the same error yesterday by dithering on the ball was a damning indictment of where he is at, mentally as well as technically. Without John Terry next to him, Cahill looks like a child without their comfort blanket which is worrying for Chelsea and England fans.
The bizarre thing about Cahill is that he is actually quite good technically, as his goal-scoring exploits down the years prove. Yesterday’s mistake was a sign of a player who is simply not thinking quickly enough to compete in a game of that pace and intensity. Antonio Conte needs Kurt Zouma fit as soon as possible.
Branislav Ivanovic
The Serbian has been a real stalwart for Chelsea over the years, winning everything there is to win in club football. However, his form has been a real problem at Stamford Bridge for well over a year. He no longer has the pace nor agility to cope in one on one situations as a full-back, and might benefit from moving inside to centre-back or a change of system.
The arrival of Marcus Alonso could allow Cesar Azpilicueta to move over to his ‘right’ side, something that has long been mooted and seems the most obvious solution. Like Cahill, Ivanovic was tentative in possession though credit must go the Arsenal’s pressing.
Eden Hazard
Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic were poor, but Hazard’s inaction in the build up to Arsenal’s second goal wins him a spot on this list. The Belgian neglected to track Hector Bellerin, who had the simplest of tasks to find Walcott for a tap in. That second goal in the 15th minute was a decisive moment, and put the home side is a position of real comfort.
Arsenal’s right side of Walcott and Bellerin should have given Hazard plenty of opportunities on the break, but in this risk vs reward battle on the flank, it was the Gunners who profited. Once again, credit must go to Arsenal and Walcott, who were an example to Hazard with their high work rate.
Hazard is Chelsea’s best player by some distance, and one of the biggest talents in the division, but Conte needs more from him. Incidentally, he never seems to have a good game at the Emirates with Bellerin looking like he has his measure.
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