MIKEL ARTETA’S gamble to trust in his youngsters paid off as Arsenal put in a fantastic performance to beat Chelsea 3-1 at the Emirates.
Though the Gunners will be relieved to win their first game since November 1, they will be disappointed they didn’t score more against their London rivals.
Bukayo Saka was nothing short of sensational against Chelsea at the EmiratesCredit: AP:Associated Press
And it should come as no surprise that their dazzling display came as a result of a number of players being left out of the squad.
The likes of Willian, Nicolas Pepe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were all dropped, and boy didn’t Arsenal reap the rewards of it.
Starting behind Alexandre Lacazette – who broke the deadlock from the penalty spot – were Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka.
All three should have got on the score sheet, though it was only Saka that did as his glorious chipped effort caught out Blues goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Martinelli – making his first Premier League start of the season – could have opened the scoring inside the opening minute but he couldn’t direct his effort on target.
Smith Rowe then failed to put Arsenal ahead as he lost his footing after being found by Hector Bellerin from close range.
But the ex-Huddersfield loanee was everything that Gunners fans have been crying out for in recent weeks as the attacking midfielder was willing to run with the ball.
And not only that, he was constantly looking to stretch the defence and break the Chelsea’s line, combining beautifully with his team-mates in the process.
Emile Smith Rowe starred for Arsenal after being handed a rare start by Mikel ArtetaCredit: AFP or licensors
Gabriel Martinelli and Saka proved to be a constant nuisance for the Chelsea defenceCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Martinelli – who only made his long-awaited return from injury in the 2-1 defeat against Everton last week – has found himself to be one of the club’s most important players.
Not a single member of the Arsenal squad can match his tireless work-rate, and the anger he showed after missing a speculative overhead kick chance shows just how much winning means to him.
Nicolas Pepe came on for him in the second half and the difference between the Brazilian and the Ivorian was clear for everyone to see.
As soon as Martinelli went off, Arsenal’s build-up play became slower as they lacked his energetic movement up top.
It should come as no surprise that Saka was once again Arsenal’s man of the match.
Since Project Restart, the England international has slotted in at left-back, in central midfield, as the No 10 and on both wings.
And it was on the right flank that he started on against Chelsea and although it is not his preferred position, he had the beating of Ben Chilwell almost every time he travelled with the ball.
Without a doubt, Martinelli and Saka are the future of the club, and there has to be credit for the board for handing the duo new long-term contracts in the summer.
Make no mistake, Arsenal are in dire need for new signings in January with a creative player being eyed up by the club.
But the club in the meantime have to keep their faith in Smith Rowe as he offered something completely different in the final third.
Arsenal may sit in 14th spot in the Premier League, but the future is certainly bright thanks to the young talent they possess.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
