It’s 0-0 at half time in Chelsea’s game against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, and it’s not a pretty one.
Chelsea were on top in the opening ten minutes, then Arsenal came back into it and took control for an equivalent period. After that it’s been messy – lots of fouls and free kicks and breaking up play from both sides.
The Blues have had their moments, but by far their best chance came from good work down the left by Pedro Neto. The winger squared up Ben White and was giving the England full back the full treatment of tricks before whipping in a superb cross with minimal back lift.
It was above David Raya and put on a plate for Malo Gusto, who timed his run well to beat Gabriel Martinelli and have a clear header at goal from 3 yards out.
Somehow, the Frenchman put it over. Not only that, but Martinelli landed on his ankle as they crashed to earth, hurting the former Lyon man. He is not having a great season, which is disappointing given the quality he showed before. Could we see Reece James sooner rather than later?
You can see the effort in the clip embedded here:
GUSTO… NO WORDS. https://t.co/A2ynwT1tkE
— Chels HQ (@Chels_HQ) November 10, 2024
[Footage from NBC Sport]
CROSSING MAHAL PEDRO NETO GAGAL DIKONVERSI GUSTO!! pic.twitter.com/5wmNnDfP2c
— Siaran Bola Live (@SiaranBolaLive) November 10, 2024
[Footage from NBC Sport]
Attackers not helping out Gusto with poor decisions
Gusto is a defender, but still should have done better with this one. But the attackers for Chelsea didn’t do any better. Noni Madueke spurned a similar chance after another great Neto cross, and there were more occasions where the Blues were one clever pass in the final third away from getting into a great shooting position.
Neto has done well – Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Madueke have not been good enough. If we want to win this game we will need more from all of them as the game goes on.
