Last season it was back to back Desmond’s against Liverpool and West Ham that saw our title challenge derail. And it was the same result out in Portugal that lead to our Europa League exit.
We had already had two games finish 2-2 this season; Spurs and Fulham at home. We made it 3 Desmond’s in 9 games as we continued out unbeaten start to the season.
Saturday was one of those games where we looked groggy.
At half-time, I mentioned to my mates “it feels like one of those northern games from the early 2010’s. We are clearly better than them but they’ve nicked a goal and are now looking to sit deep and defend for their lives.”
The Chelsea pitch has never taken the weather well, and the torrential rain before and during the game played into their hands just like it would of for Bolton or Wigan of yesteryear.
Their first goal was a penalty that never was. Their 2nd was a sliced crossed that looped over David Raya into the top corner.
I am not accepting any criticism for Raya for conceding that goal. It would have gone in against anyone. Much of goalkeeping is about predicting what is going to happen so you ensure that your weight is going in the right direction. When a player slices a shot, it can catch any keeper out.
For those calling for Aaron Ramsdale’s return, were you demanding Vince Batram replace David Seaman after 1995? These freak goals happen and every keeper will retrie with a couple on their resume.
We were denied a stonewall penalty when Robert Sanchez absolutely poleaxed Gabriel Jesus without getting anywhere near the ball.
Anyone that does not think it was a penalty, let us look at it from another viewpoint.
Sanchez comes out for the ball, Gabriel Jesus clatters into him, not getting the ball, and then William Saliba nods it in. The goal would be disallowed for a foul on the keeper. So why is no foul given on the keeper?
I have never really understood the way goalkeepers get reffed so differently to others on the pitch.
They can come out, clatter a player getting nowhere near the ball and nothing is given. Then the next moment a free kick is given in their favour ebcause an attacking playing slightly nudged them at a corner.
The ref had an absolute stinker. And it was interesting talking to a couple of Chelsea fans after the game that they felt he gave every decision to Arsenal. It certainly felt to us that he favoured Chelsea.
He seemed very quick to brandish yellow cards to Arsenal players, whilst Chelsea players escaped punishment. Marc Cucurella kicking out at Bukayo Saka after the ref had blown his whistle was just one of many times that Spanish fullback escaped punishment.
As we looked to try and get back into the game, Chelsea resorted to those dark arts of time-wasting that officials were supposed to be stamping out. Has the early season instructions already been disregarded?
Throw-ins that took more than 30s (Takheiro Tomiyasu was sent off at Palace for taking less time over one). Goal kicks that took more than a minute. Chelsea players throwing themselves to the ground and rolling about, to then miraculously get back up just before the physio was to be wave on.
7 minutes of injury time were given and with Chelsea on the ropes, they looked to slow the game down even further. The ref could not wait to blow the whistle dead on 97 minutes despite the ball only being in play for around 4 of it.
I have long said I would like to see 30 minute halves trialled, where the clock is “stopped” everytime the ball goes out of play. Games would last the exact same as they do now, but you would stamp out time wasting, refs blowing up early or giving a team “one more attack”.
So we came away from Chelsea with a 2-2 draw. Some will put it down as 2-points lost. But I will always take a draw away against Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City or Man U.
they have already taken points off Liverpool at home, and in the next 3 games face both Tottenham and Manchester City. It is probably after those games where will we understand whether it is a good point or two points dropped!
On to the next game with Sevilla away tomorrow. Following the defeat to Lens, the pressure is on for us to get 3 points. Lose and what looked like a fairly easy group suddenly looks a lot harder. And it is not just about qualifying but also finishing top to avoid those top teams in the knockout stages.
Everyone flying out, have a safe trip and see you all at Sheffield United!
UTA!
Keenos
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon 
You`re right about that pitch, looked really gluey. The team who scored first was always going to have an advantage in those conditions. For us to come back from 2 down tells you everything you need to know about the character of this group.
Disagree about the Seville game tomorrow, think the pressure is on them to get the win, I`ll be very happy with a draw out there. Fancy us to beat everyone in this group at the Emirates and I`d imagine 10 points will see us top the group.
Up The Arse.
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