Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea: 4 Stats & Facts: Featuring Mike Dean & Giroud’s Poor Finishing

Arsenal were held to a 0-0 draw by Chelsea at the Emirates on Monday night. Here, Gunner333 gives us some stats and facts from the game.

This Classic London derby was supplied with a little extra spice this season, as both Arsenal and Chelsea were looking to close in on the top of the league before entering the festive period. A victory for the Gunners and they would be top at Christmas but a defeat and Wenger’s men would slump to fourth.

The atmosphere was electric on a rainy evening in North London, with both sides resisting the urge to pile too many men forwards in the opening stages. Little action arose in a rather cagey match and it was more a physical and tactical battle.

Chelsea struggled to link up with danger-men Hazard and Willian, but they did manage to muster up the first real opportunity of the game, Lampard driving through before unleashing a rifled effort which cannoned back of the crossbar. At the other end, Özil hit a thunderous half-volley which was blocked and then followed up by an ambitious left-footed volley from Rosicky, but with no avail.

Both sets of fans would have been frustrated after a poor attacking first half of football which seemed over-powered by two equally strong back-lines, whilst the home side failed to conjure up an on-target effort in the  first period.

The second half continued in its rather flat manner, Arsene Wenger’s humorously long coat providing the most entertainment in the early stages. Rosicky and Lampard’s both had efforts once-again blocked, as Vermaelen and Mertesacker continued to put in solid shifts at the back, despite the absence of Koscielny.

It was the Gunners who created the greatest chance in the game to that point. A combination of great passing in midfield resulting in Giroud being set-up by a delectable ‘dink’ from Ramsey, but the un-balanced Frenchman could only send a shambolic effort wide due to the forth-coming Cech.

Some late Chelsea set-pieces certainly unsettled a few edgy Gooners, but the final chance went a miss at the other end. Giroud once again at the fore-front of the action, this time being eluded by a great Gibbs pull-back, but Cech made an excellent stop to deny him the winner.

Neither side could find that killer goal and the game ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw. The Gunners go second on goal-difference behind Liverpool, whilst Chelsea remain in fourth.

Here I will analyse some stats and facts about Arsenal’s game;

1) Clinical Edge Missing, As Usual…

Although a point may be considered a saving grace to the less-optimistic Gooner, we certainly had chances to put this game to bed at times. Giroud’s consistent lacking as a front man often causes fantastic opportunities to go begging. No-one can surely doubt his credentials as the cliché tough forward who can hold the ball up and chip in with the odd goal every now and then, but evidently he lacks the killer edge we require.

If the up-coming January transfer window is contrasting to past ones and we do manage to conclude some business in the striking department, then perhaps we can mount a real threat this campaign. Otherwise we may just come up short in May.

2) CDM- Bottom of Christmas List- 13 Interceptions

As mentioned, the festive season often calls for clubs to be preparing for the window ahead. At the start of the campaign, many would have thought a holding midfielder would be at the top of Wenger’s list, but it is quite the opposite.

Clearly portrayed against Chelsea was our ability to turn defence into attack. Our side managed to make 13 interceptions to Chelsea’s six which showcases the ability of our midfield to turn-over possession. Arteta and Flamini on their day are excellent defensive midfielders so I very much doubt the boss will be in the market for another next month.

3) Poor Attacking First Half – No Shots on Target

Yesterday was a fine example of our inconsistency in the opening stages of games as we showed serious inability to hit the ground running and test Cech. The frustrating part of it all was the fact we created the chances, yet lacked that final ball – something which we may have felt would vanish following the arrivals of both Cazorla and Özil.

We simply have to find a way past stubborn opposition who put us under pressure and ensure our final ball improves.

4) Referee Mike Dean

In this game specifically, we conceded less fouls than our opposing side (7 compared to 12) but still picked up more yellows (2 to 1). Perhaps it may just be a coincidence, but the official was certainly not our biggest fan – not for the first time either.

In all games played with Mike Dean officiating since 2009, we have won on just one occasion, losing 9 and drawing 6. Our style of play often attracts cards as even though we may not play with high levels of physical play, we do play with a lot of pressure on the opposition, but the fact he failed to take action on John Obil Mikel for his horrific challenge on Arteta shows he has it in for us. Not to mention the stone-wall penalty on Walcott.

Thanks for reading and have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.