Chelsea 1 – 2 Arsenal

1 – 0 Djourou (o.g.) (32)
1 – 1 van Persie (59)
1 – 2 van Persie (62)

Having been laid low by a dose of the ‘flu – and no girls, it wasn’t the “bloke” variety, Mrs YW said it was the proper stuff – the visit to Stamford Bridge provided a much needed tonic. Rather like the pills and potions I have consumed, the win does not represent the cure all to the season, more it suppresses the symptoms to help you return to some sort of normality.

Chelsea had before the match, been irresponsible in their media outbursts. In the pre-match preview that I started to pen on Friday and that fell by the wayside, I wondered if it they were intemperate and would galvanise the squad onto bigger things, starting with three points. Perhaps they did. Perhaps not.

Either way, the starting line-up was boosted by the first of the returnees from injury. It was still not full strength which gives the result more credibility. Chelsea dominated the possession in the first half but did not seem particularly threatening when the final pass came to be played. Were they lacking in confidence or were they contained by the Arsenal team? It is hard to be definitive in that judgement.

Despite this they went into the interval in the lead thanks to the sort of mistake that has been all too prevalent this season. Almunia did the hard part in collecting a cross safely but instead of showing the patience required when involved in this sort of match, he released the ball far too quickly and inaccurately to set-up the counter-attack he no doubt visualised. Nasri did not have the support with him nor did he collect the ball.

Instead, Chelsea fashioned space on their right and Bosingwa delivered a decent cross. Djourou’s intervention was one of those things: half the time they concede a corner, the other half is split between flying into the safety of the ‘keeper’s arms or the back of the net. I would not criticise him for trying to intercept; the fault for this was plainly with Almunia.

The first half was a low key performance. Populist Redknapp thought it was a lack of confidence. I am not so sure. To me, the team were trying to prove critics wrong and put in a hardworking performance, a back to basics if you like. Djourou and Gallas both played well in the centre of defence; the former did not let his own goal destroy his confidence as it might that of Senderos. Before the match, Arsene observed that Gallas was regaining respect from his colleagues and the fans. If he continues to perform in this manner, there is no doubt that there would be an outcry if he left in January.

The game turned in the second half in the space of three minutes. van Persie was unbelievably adjudged to be onside and smashed home. It might be the bit of luck that has been missing this season and on previous visits to Stamford Bridge. Whatever the case, Chelsea seemed bemused by it all. They could not respond other than through Terry’s foul on Sagna. Andy Gray seemed to think that the Chelsea captain stayed on the pitch because his feet were less than a foot off the ground. It is much simpler than that. Had Sagna not shown superb tackling technique and won the ball, Terry would have been off.

The turnaround was completed minutes later. Fabregas’ freekick was cushioned into van Persie’s path and despite his shot not being the strongest, it was early enough and well placed enough to beat Cech. The expected onslaught never really materialised. Chelsea enjoyed possession but could have lost by a wider margin had Denilson’s normally assured touch not escaped him.

Much is made of Chelsea’s strength in depth but they looked devoid of ideas yesterday. Part of that would have been their own state of mind, a match they were confident of winning turned out to be considerably tougher than they would have expected but Arsenal worked hard. Players out of position or underrated excelled in the responsibility. Song was understated in midfield, diligent in his work and not overawed by the reputations of those he faced. Cesc meanwhile is going all out to prove that the responsibility thrust upon him is going to enhance his game. He lead by example, prompting and defending with equal aplomb.

Perhaps the most beneficial aspect of the performance was the straightforward 4-4-2 employed. United and Liverpool enjoyed success at Stamford Bridge with that tactic, Arsenal capitalised as well. It means six points out of six from the two games against top four rivals. Now the test is to win the games against ’smaller’ teams.

Arsenal have not emerged from the chaos that never engulfed them. We have been here before. This win can be a springboard to a good unbeaten run, one that sees the seven point gap cut considerably. It can also be the prelude to disappointment. Whatever the case, it is was a much needed confidence booster. As RvP so eloquently put it after scoring the winner, “F’king come on!“.

’til Tomorrow.