A truly tremendous performance from Chelsea reiterated the statement “London is blue!”. The sun was shining at the jubilant Stamford Bridge and goals from Eto’o, Oscar (2), Schurrle, Hazard and Salah ensured that Chelsea moved seven points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League table.
The game started with both sides almost taking the lead, Eden Hazard played a ball through to Andre Schurrle who appeared to be onside however the linesman flagged the German as offside. Arsenal then broke and almost took an early lead when an under-hit Giroud shot was fantastically saved by Petr Cech in the Chelsea goal.
Only a minute later Chelsea took the lead through the reliable Samuel Eto’o. All his eleven goals for Chelsea have been scored at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea broke on the counter-attack through Schurrle, who found Eto’o in yards of space. The Chelsea striker took a touch and skilfully curled a left-footed shot past the stretching Szczesny. 1-0
Minutes later the blues doubled their advantage. Yet again Arsenal lost the ball in the midfield which allowed Chelsea to counter. Nemanja Matic played a clever pass to Schurrle who was attacking the right channel, and from the edge of the area drilled a low shot past Szczesny. 2-0
Unfortunately for Eto’o he suffered a hamstring injury and was replaced by Fernando Torres.
Next was a moment of pure bizarreness, Hazard shot from close range: the ‘OX’ dived at the ball and palmed it away. Replays showed that the ball was going wide, however instead of dismissing Chamberlin he sent off Kieran Gibbs despite the fact that the ‘OX’ told Andre Mariner ” It was me ref”. Hazard stepped up and scored comfortably. 3-0
As a result of being reduced to ten men, Podolski was sacrificed and was replaced by Thomas Vermaelen.
Moments before half time the score board showed four! Schurrle played the ball right to Torres who calmly gave it to Oscar who tapped home from a few yards out. HT 4-0
Chelsea took the foot off the gas at the start of the second half, and sat deep inviting the Arsenal attack so they could counter. The blues fans had to wait 21 minutes to see the fifth. Oscar collects the ball from the outside of the box, and shot the ball past Szczesny. 5-0
Mohammed Salah was introduced to the game replacing Oscar.
David Luiz attempted to put his name among the goal scorers and shot the ball from a distance, Torres was closing in but the ball was under the control of the goalkeeper.
It soon was six, a stunning chipped ball found Salah in acres of space, and as he approached Szczesny he cooly slotted the ball under the goalie. That was his first goal for Chelsea, and he is the first Egyptian to score for the blues!
Full Time
Chelsea certainly were worthy of the victory and it was a fantastic way to spoil Arsene Wenger’s 1000th game celebration. KTBFFH, UTC, Carfree!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this match report!
@carbislli
