10 things we learned from watching Arsenal 0-3 Chelsea

By Steve Anglesey in Mirror Football Blog

Published 20:00 29/11/09

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1) Didier Drogba loves playing Arsenal. That's 10 goals in his last 11 games against them, including two in the 2007 League Cup final and one in the 2009 FA Cup semi-final. Probably none have been better than that blistering free kick for 0-3.

2) Carlo Ancelotti's hat - part Benny from Crossroads, part Compo from Last Of The Summer Wine - proves Italians can't wear just anything and look stylish.

3) Thomas Vermaelen was far from Arsenal's worst player, and anyone might have struggled against Didier Drogba in that sort of form. But his edgy performance does reinforce the view long held by Ajax fans... that the stylish Belgian is out of his comfort zone against big strikers who like to mix it.

4) A magnificent afternoon for Ashley Cole. After being jeered mercilessly - and, having read his book, I'm not arguing with that - he responded with two assists in probably his best game against his former club. Early substitution ensured he'd be suited, booted and home in time for the X Factor.

5) The pre-season talk from Arsenal sources about Eduardo - that he was about to have a breakout season which would save the club millions in the transfer market - had quietened before the game and will be virtually silent now. Although the Croatian can't be blamed for struggling after in juries forced him into a line-leading role he is totally unsuited to, the Gunners did improve greatly after he was substituted.

6) You didn't have to watch Arsenal's disallowed goal five times, like certain obsessive French managers, to realise it should have stood. You don't have to be a conspiracy theorist to believe that Petr Cech - who never had the ball under control - tends to get the benefit of the doubt in these situations because of the headgear he has worn for nearly three years now. No-one is doubting Cech has to wear it, but its presence must have some sort of impact, even if it is subconscious, on referees.

7) Of all the bizarre items thrown onto pitches in recent years, is "fake camera" the oddest? Where does one buy them? Is there a Fake Jessops somewhere?

8) With the possible exception of goalkeeper Hilario, all seven Chelsea substitutes could have made Arsenal's first team. The others? Malouda, Zhirkov, Paulo Ferreira, Deco, Kalou - who cost over £50m - and Ballack, who came on a free. Come on Arsene, spend some cash or risk slipping even further behind when Chelsea, Spurs and City all splurge in January.

9) Arsenal have only allowed an incredibly stingy 41 shots on their goal this season. But they've conceded 18 goals. Shouldn't they be looking at a long-term replacement for Manuel Almunia?

10) Manchester City fans have been complaining about their string of seven straight draws. Well, help is at hand. City play Chelsea next weekend and they won't be drawing then...

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