Lucky Arsenal

The Gunners were six minutes from being the first side to leave Stamford Bridge with full points. Alas, it was not to be when Michael Essien fired home a long-range curling equaliser in the 84th minute.

This match was hyped to a large extent… the warring managers and the Cole-Gallas exchange. It was a match where the young Gunners showed true grit and resilience. However, they were lucky to share the spoils with Chelsea. The woodwork saved the day.

It was the Arsenal midfield of Hleb, Gilberto, Fabregas, Flamini and Van Persie squaring up against the established midfielders comprising of Ballack, Makelele, Essien and Lampard. Quite frankly, the young Gunners held them back pretty well.

Chelsea really stepped up their efforts in the second half and Arsenal had their backs to the wall most of time. Senderos was particularly nervous and Chelsea’s Robben looked dangerous on the left flank.

Despite all the pressure, Arsenal took a surprise lead. Flamini’s goal came against the total run of play. There was this interesting exchange play between Hleb and Flamini before the Frenchman fired a right-foot shot past the diving Hilario.

In the dying minutes, Hleb could have won it for the Gunners, but he blasted the ball over. Had it not for the woodwork, Essien and Lampard could have won all three points for Chelsea too!

What an exciting draw. Chelsea were unlucky and the Gunners are plainly lucky, lucky Arsenal. My final word…Essien’s goal was certainly a wild swing that went in. It was never a measured shot. Never.