If Roman Abramovich needed a reminder to spend big on a goalscorer this summer, Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Wednesday was it.
The Blues suffered back-to-back defeats to the Gunners for the first time since the 2003/04 season as Emile Smith Rowe capitalised on Jorginho’s overhit pass in the first half to seal a shock victory for the north London club.
Getty
Getty
Chelsea failed to make their chances and utter domination of possession pay – and Abramovich must surely now know that he needs to sign a prolific goal-scorer if he wants his side to go toe-to-toe with Manchester City next season.
Erling Haaland, Romelu Lukaku and Harry Kane have all been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge and the Russian, like he has done so many times during his 18-year stint as owner of the west London club, may now be forced to get his chequebook out once more.
Smith Rowe put Arsenal in front after 15 minutes, capitalising on a loose ball from Jorginho in a rare defensive lapse from Chelsea.
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The Italy midfielder’s wayward back-pass put Kepa under huge pressure and the Spaniard was only able to parry the ball to stop an own goal.
Smith Rowe pounced on the loose ball, however, before slotting home to put the Gunners into the lead.
Moments later, there was more controversy as Mason Mount had a shot from point blank range blocked by what appeared to be Rob Holding’s hand.
His effort was going towards the goal and clearly struck Holding’s hand, which was in an unnatural position.
Chelsea dominated the possession in the second half but Arsenal defended well, with substitute Olivier Giroud missing a glorious chance to find the equaliser by fluffing his shot wide from just outside the area.
In the dying minutes, Kurt Zouma also had an effort rifled off the bar, before Giroud crashed the rebound onto the very same bit of the woodwork.
Arsenal, however, deserved the three points over their London rivals as Mikel Arteta’s men secured a second consecutive victory following their Europa League heartbreak last week.
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