Defensive errors prove costly

A week, as the old saying goes, is a long time in football. Just ask Laurent Koscielny. A week ago the Frenchman was the hero, with his stunning late goal against Manchester City ensuring Arsenal maintained their unbeaten start to the new season. Against Chelsea, on Saturday however, Koscielny’s hero status disintegrated, as two defensive errors enabled the away side to take all three points from a game in which Arsenal deserved more.

The Gunners began the game well, enjoying the lion’s share of possession; however they appeared nervous and undecided on the ball. Abou Diaby in particular was caught in possession a number of times, before being substituted early on due to injury. Chelsea on the other hand, having added several technically gifted midfielders in the summer, seemed more purposeful in possession. Whereas Arsenal’s passing was sloppy at times, Chelsea’s was intricate and slick as they seemed content to sit back and catch the Gunners on the break. Yet Chelsea were not able to really trouble Vito Mannone even though the home side’s defending, which has been lauded for its stability since the start of the season, was far too rash and indecisive on Saturday. In the 20^th minute Vermaelen’s reckless tackle on Hazard provided Juan Matta an opportunity to deliver the ball into the Arsenal box and disaster ensued. First of all not one Arsenal player attacked the ball as they simply allowed it to sail into the area. Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was supposed to be marking David Luiz, lost his man and although Mata’s delivery was too high for the Brazilian, it was perfect for Fernando Torres. The Spaniard was able to score by hooking his foot round Kosielny, who was so preoccupied with tussling with Torres that by the time the ball arrived the Frenchman actually had his back to the ball!

A few minutes later it could have been worse, as Arsenal surged forward in an attempt to restore parity as soon as possible. Santi Cazorla’s penalty appeal, for a shove in the back was dismissed by referee Martin Atkinson and before the crowd had time to draw breath, the ball had been lofted through to Fernando Torres. Yet as Kosielny had his body in between the ball and Torres, all seemed fine, until the Frenchman dithered allowing Torres to steal the ball away from him and advance on goal. Luckily for the Gunners, Koscielny managed to chase back putting Torress off and the chance was lost.

It was a moment the away side would regret as just before halftime, the Gunners were back on level terms. Oxlade-Chamberlain’s low ball into Gervinho was controlled by the Ivorian with his first touch, before swivelling and firing an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. It was a wonderful strike from the man who had missed so many chances in the previous game against Manchester City.

It was the perfect time to score and as the second half began, Arsenal were clearly in control. Unfortunately, with Chelsea camped in their own half, the Gunners were unable to capitalise on their period of dominance with Oxlade-Chamberlain and Cazorla miss-firing when set up for a shot. In the 53^rd minute, the home side were made to pay thanks to another show of shambolic defending. As Chelsea attempted to hit the Gunners on the counter attack, Vermaelen committed a foul on Torres, allowing Mata to deliver another free kick from a very similar position to the one which had to the goal. Once again no Arsenal player attacked the ball and to compound matters, Koscielny’s needless attempt to do so only served to help the ball on its way into the bottom corner of the goal.

After such a positive start to the second half, you could say that it was unfortunate on the home side, but in truth with such suicidal defending, they only had themselves to blame. Arsenal may have been stunned still continued to believe and pressed forward in search of a second goal. Lukas Podolski’s headed effort was well saved by Cech when it seemed destined to sail over him and into the net. It just didn’t appear to be Arsenal’s day as David Luiz stuck his foot out to clear a cross and the ball flew just wide before second half substitute, Olivier Giroud’s shot was deflected and Cech’s last ditch attempted save saw the ball trickle just wide of the post. But the best chance was created for Giroud in the last few minutes of the game. Cazorla and Oxlade-Chamberlain combined well, the Englishman sliding the ball through to Giroud, who had made a good run into the box. Giroud could have attempted to clip the ball over the onrushing Cech, in similar fashion to his goal against Coventry, but instead he decided to round the keeper. This however had the effect of narrowing the angle and with the goal at his mercy; Giroud could only fire the ball into the side of the net.

Great disappointment greeted the final whistle, with the general feeling being that Arsenal had simply thrown the game away. Although they had not been at their best, the home side were still more than a match for Chelsea and caused them plenty of problems. Yet the Gunners’ defensive frailties returned to haunt them and cost them the game. Having made such a positive start to the season, there had been talk of Arsenal challenging for the league title, but with defending like that the Gunners have a long way to go before being able to mount a serious title challenge.