What a statement victory that was from Arsenal against helpless Chelsea at the Emirates on Tuesday evening.
Make all the excuses you want for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, but that was Arsenal at their very best and showcasing to the world that they still believe they can win the Premier League title.
Five goals. Three different goal scorers. A clean sheet. And four points clear at the top of the table.
Yes, the favourites Manchester City have two games in hand ahead of their Thursday night showdown against Brighton, but the pressure is now back on Pep Guardiola’s men.
In comparison to Arsenal’s previous home game – a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa – this was a performance of the highest order, with players across the board performing.
Kai Havertz netted a brace against his former club, even Ben White scored two, Leandro Trossard cannot stop scoring, Martin Odegaard ran the show, whilst Declan Rice enjoyed another strong display.
These are all positive signs that this team, which crumbled during this stage last season, aren’t going anywhere and will try to take this title race to the last day if they have to.
Glenn Hoddle was keen to highlight the performance of Rice and how he reminded him of Patrick Vieira, as he told Premier League Productions (23/04/24 at 10:25 pm).
With Thomas Partey returning to the XI, he allowed Rice to play further forward and inside five minutes, he was assisting Trossard for the opening goal.
Taking his Chelsea hat off, Hoddle certainly appreciated what Rice brought to the table and how he can be a 9/10 playing both the number six and eight roles for Arteta.
Declan Rice as a number eight and a six
“Havertz gets himself in between the two defenders and it comes off, it looks so simple,” said Hoddle about Arsenal’s opening goal. “There is Rice. I love Rice in that position. That reminds me of Patrick Vieira. The way Vieira used to drive forward. But Trossard there, he goes for power, but when you go for power, it’s about hitting the target.
“When you let him off the leash a little he can play like an eight. He can get himself forward and ahead of the ball. When he does win the ball, like we showed, then he is further up the pitch. It’s in a lethal position. He has got that Patrick Vieira run in him. That surge, roll and drive with the ball.
“I think he can play both (six and eight). That’s why he made the move, to go to Arsenal and say ‘I have got a little bit more about me if I am playing with the right players’. If Jorginho plays in there, then he can still play the same role – he plays both roles 9/10. You know what you are going to get with Declan Rice week in and week out. That’s why he is probably one of the most effective players in the Premier League – but if you are going to go 38 games a season, with cup games on top, then you would put your hat on him every single time.”
Arsenal’s trip to Tottenham
You feel Arsenal’s north London derby against Tottenham on Sunday is going to be far, far different than the Chelsea game.
Ange Postecoglou’s side, who haven’t played since April 13 when they lost 4-0 to Newcastle United, are still chasing Champions League football and they have had a far better season than those at Stamford Bridge.
During the reverse fixture at the Emirates, they caused their rivals many problems, so this isn’t going to be easy.
But Arsenal can’t complain much because they go into that match high on confidence and ready to cook another one of their neighbours.
Plus, they did beat Spurs in their backyard last season, so there is no reason why it can’t happen again.
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