Chelsea vs Arsenal Analysis | Premier League 2024/25

The Premier League clash between Chelsea vs Arsenal lived up to expectations, featuring two teams battling for a top spot in the league. Both clubs came into this match with strong formations and high hopes, knowing that a win would keep their momentum going in the league. Chelsea, led by Enzo Maresca, looked to dominate possession, followed by counters, while Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal set up to be resilient and break down Chelsea’s pressing game. A lot of changes during the game in the tactical aspect, with both teams constantly adapting to each other’s play style. In this blog you will read how both of Pep Guardiola’s ex-assistant managers tried to battle each other and take the win home.

First Half Analysis: High Pressing & Tactical Play

Chelsea’s Early Dominance in Possession

Chelsea started with a lot of possession and looked to exploit the wings, with players like Madueke and Pedro Neto constantly testing Arsenal’s defense. Despite their early dominance, Chelsea found it difficult to break through Arsenal’s well-organized midfield.

Chelsea vs Arsenal: Solid Defensive Setup and Build Up

Arsenal had a defensive setup that kept Chelsea at bay, with Partey and Rice forming a midfield barrier. When Arsenal had the ball, they built attacks with a back-three structure, pushing White and Timber high or inverted into the channels to look for overloads in the wide areas and between the lines.

Key Chances in the First Half

Chelsea had a couple of opportunities in the first half. In the 19th minute, a quick counter-attack saw Palmer pass to Neto on the left wing, crossing it to Madueke, who narrowly missed a header due to Declan Rice’s defensive intervention. In the 24th minute, another cross from Neto found Gusto, but his header went over the bar. Arsenal on the other hand was struggling to create chances, with the biggest chance being Declan Rice’s free kick, which was taken quickly towards Havertz who went deep and finished it, but VAR called it offside.

Despite the high pressing from both teams, they struggled to create clear-cut chances, leading to a 0-0 halftime score.

Second Half Insights: Arsenal’s Tactical Shift and The Two Goals

Chelsea’s Strong Start in the Second Half

Chelsea came out strong after halftime, pressing Arsenal back into their half. However, Arsenal appeared to be waiting for this, allowing Chelsea to push forward and seemingly drain their energy.

Arsenal’s Quick-Strike Goal by Martinelli

In the 60th minute, Arsenal took the lead thanks to Odegaard’s quick thinking. He sent the ball to the far post, from just outside of the box on the right side, where Martinelli controlled it before finishing into the short corner. Although Chelsea claimed offside, the goal stood due to Colwill’s late stepping in, leaving Martinelli free to take on the ball and put it in the net.

Pedro Neto’s Stunning Equalizer Brings Chelsea Level

In the 70th minute, Chelsea equalized in spectacular fashion. Neto moved from the right wing towards the center without anyone following him or getting any pressure on the ball, receiving a pass from Enzo Fernandez and taking a low shot from 20 meters. The strike found the bottom corner, leveling the score and reigniting Chelsea’s hopes. Very smart movement from Neto who made space and used that in between the lines.

Continued Pressure from Arsenal

After conceding, Arsenal pressed forward again, with Merino nearly converting a cross from Saka in the 73rd minute. However, Chelsea’s defense, now set up in a 5-3-2, held firm, keeping Arsenal not too dangerous.

Final Moments: High Drama but No Decisive Winner

Offside Drama for Chelsea

Chelsea thought they had the winner when Gusto’s long ball found Jackson, who scored past Raya. However, the goal was ruled offside in the 75th minute, keeping the score level.

Late Scramble in Arsenal’s Box

In the 83rd minute, a scramble in Arsenal’s penalty area almost gave Chelsea the lead. Raya missed a clearance, and after a brief aerial battle, the ball fell back into his hands.

Post-Game Analysis: A Fair 1-1 Result

Both Teams’ Tactical Adjustments

Chelsea’s early wing play and Arsenal’s tactical adaptation made this a game of constant shifts. Arsenal’s change in positioning, with full-backs staying wider instead of inverting, limited Chelsea’s effectiveness on the flanks in the second half, Pedro Neto made good use of this tactical change by creating space for himself in between the lines and using that space while there was no Arsenal player covering him.

Chelsea vs Arsenal: Final Takeaway

The Chelsea vs Arsenal game saw plenty of chances, tactical adaptations, and high pressing from both sides. The points were ultimately shared, with both teams looking forward to their next matches to reach the highest possible spot in the league and earn a Champions League ticket.

Final Statistics: Chelsea vs Arsenal

Possession: Chelsea 49% – 51% Arsenal

Expected Goals (xG): Chelsea 1.28 – 0.99 Arsenal

Shots on Target: 3 – 3

Touches in Penalty Area: Chelsea 24 – 19 Arsenal

Final Third Entries: Chelsea 44 – 54 Arsenal