Romelu Lukaku scored his first Chelsea goal on his second debut for the club as they comfortably beat Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The Belgian, who first joined Chelsea in 2011 and re-joined from Inter Milan for £97.5m this summer, tapped home from Reece James’ cross in the 15th minute after out-muscling Arsenal defender Pablo Mari.
James then turned goalscorer as he again found himself in acres of space inside the Arsenal penalty area, whipping the ball past goalkeeper Bernd Leno into the far corner.
Arsenal could feel slightly aggrieved towards the end of the first half, however, as it appeared James had tripped winger Bukayo Saka in the penalty area. Referee Paul Tierney waved away the protests and VAR did not deem his decision a clear and obvious error.
In truth, though, a goal would have flattered Mikel Arteta’s team. Chelsea dominated proceedings, with Lukaku in particular giving central defenders Rob Holding and Mari a torrid time.
The second half was slightly more even as the Blues managed the game and Arsenal threw more numbers forward, also introducing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the bench for his first Premier League appearance of the season following the striker’s recovery from Covid-19.
Holding headed wide from 8-yards out and Emile Smith-Rowe also went close, defender Cesar Azpilicueta defending expertly to prevent the Englishman getting his shot off.
Still, the Blues never looked in any real trouble, and they almost extended their extended their lead when Lukaku met Mason Mount’s cross, Leno somehow tipping the Belgian’s header onto the crossbar.
The result means Chelsea continue their 100% start to the season, while Arsenal have lost their opening two Premier League games for only the third time ever. It is also the first time in their history that they have lost their first two league games without scoring.
Chelsea look the real deal as attention turns to Liverpool
Chelsea have started this season ominously, following up their Super Cup victory with dominant performances against Crystal Palace and now Arsenal.
By signing the world class Lukaku, they have added a new dimension to their play, appearing to have a squad that has few weaknesses, if any.
In a performance that was reminiscent of Didier Drogba at the Emirates, the Belgian caused problems all afternoon with his superb hold up and link-up play. In trying to nullify his threat, the Gunners also played narrow, leaving wing-back James in acres of space.
He was complemented by the rest of his team. Wing-backs James and Marcos Alonso were excellent throughout, marauding forwards at every opportunity. The back three of Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger were rarely troubled. Jorginho and Kovacic kept things ticking over in midfield, contributing to Chelsea enjoying 65% possession.
Attention now turns to next week’s game against Liverpool at Anfield, a mouth-watering game considering how both teams have started this season. There should also be excellent individual battles all over the pitch, none more so than Lukaku against Virgil van Dijk.
Arteta under pressure already as boos echo round the Emirates
The gulf in class between the two teams meant very few outside of the Arsenal camp came into the game expecting a positive result for Arteta’s men.
Yet it was still a chastening day for the Spaniard, his team being completely outplayed in the first half and only improving in the second due to Chelsea taking their foot off the gas.
Arteta was not helped by being unable to start new signing Ben White, the £50m defender ruled out before kick-off after he tested positive for Covid.
Yet, as well as defensive frailties, Arsenal lacked ideas and creativity. When in possession there was little penetration, passing moves often being played in front of Chelsea’s back three before a hopeful rather than planned ball forwards.
The result was that sections of Arsenal fans showed their discontent at both half-time and full-time, audible boos ringing round the stadium.
For Arteta’s future and his team’s confidence, it is important they get a win in midweek against Championship-topping West Brom. He will be helped by the return of Martin Odegaard after the Norweigian international signed permanently from Real Madrid on Friday.
Still, with a trip next weekend to Manchester City where, once again, few will expect a positive result, troubling times loom for Arteta. Midtable at best is where the Gunners are right now, but it is hard to see the Arsenal fans accepting that.
Post-match interviews:
Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku, speaking to Sky Sports: “I’m really happy with the way we played, we played really well. We dominated. We could have scored more, but coming here with this performance, it’s good. We have to continue like that.
“It was good to win and start well. Now we have to keep working, keep building, keep getting stronger because the Premier League is a really competitive league. But we’re ready for the challenge and hopefully we can improve.”
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, speaking to Sky Sports: “In the first-half we lacked a bit of sharpness and activity. Some moments we were a bit passive. We had a long training week so I had the feeling we were a bit leggy.”
Second-half we overcame some [difficult] minutes in the beginning and then we controlled [the game]. We deserved the win but still room to improve.”
On Lukaku: “I’m very happy with the way he’s integrated already.”
“He gives something to our game that we did not have [before] like to protect balls, to play very direct up front. You cannot start better than with a goal.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, speaking to Sky Sports: “In the first half we had some difficulties. It took us a long time to regain the ball in the right areas. When we did it and we looked a threat, we didn’t finish enough actions with the quality that we need to.”
“The circumstances are really difficult. You have to face the challenge, face the criticism. It’s going to come [because] we are Arsenal Football Club, you have to win every football match.
On the boos: “I see a lot of positives to do with the crowd and the team today. The way they supported the team right from the beginning. At the end I didn’t see any bad reaction with any of the players when players were getting subbed.”
Featured image by Fars News Agency, CC BY 4.0; no changes made.
