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Arsenal vs. Chelsea: The Talking Points – Fabregas Return Mixed Bag

By Kevin Kelly

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In the follow up to our big match preview of Sunday’s clash between Arsenal and Chelsea Co-Editor Kevin Kelly takes a look at the key talking points which arose from our pick of Premier League’s games where Arsenal hosted Chelsea on Sunday afternoon. 

Coquelin Cements Place in Arsenal XI:

Brought back from loan at League 1 Charlton Athletic in January not many would have envisioned the level of performance Francis Coquelin has shown for the Gunners. Not only though has the Frenchman shown a steely determination often lacking from Arsenal in years gone by, but on an increasingly consistent basis.

Coquelin has started 14 Premier League games since his return; the defensive-midfielder has sealed his reputation as one of The Premier League’s elite tenacious midfielders. Coquelin averages 3.4 tackles and 3.8 interceptions per game, while keeping the ball relatively well with an average of 84%.

On the day Coquelin won both tackles he contested, while he won four of the six aerial duels he contested. Completing the only dribble he attempted on the day Coquelin’s performance was subtle but undeniable as he helps lead Arsenal into an ever-improving future.

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Michael Oliver Has Day To Forget: It is a great shame that Michael Oliver had such a disappointing day refereeing the game on Sunday. In the past year he has emerged as arguably the countries best referee alongside the likes of Mark Clattenburg. Denying three penalties and a red card to David Ospina there were a barrage of high profile decisions – or lack of – which were conspicuous as best.

Refereeing a Premier League game is clearly hard, and the decisions were perhaps marginal, but it won’t help his burgeoning reputation. Whether certain players dived or not, the decision to not give any penalty was uncomfortably reminiscent of the non-decision trend which marred Howard Webb’s career post-2010.

Terry Remains Elite: As discussed in our general weekend review, John Terry’s performance was one of the standouts of this Premier League campaign. In a game in which Arsenal kept most of the ball (57%), and took the most shots (11), Terry’s no holds barred performance was vital, making two interceptions and a massive 13 clearances on the day. Terry made 27 passes on the day, completing 85.7% of those passes.

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Mourinho cited the performance as perhaps his best ever: “It was the best John Terry has ever played. It was absolutely amazing. He’s had fantastic performances in the five or six years we worked together, and some of them with goals,” said Mourinho.

Cesc Return Mixed Bag:

Cesc Fabregas made an emotional return to The Emirates to play against the side who saw him rise from 16 year-old Spanish kid, to World Cup winning midfielder. As has been a theme for Fabregas in the past few months, his performance didn’t do his undeniable talent any favours.

Denied a penalty in the first half for a decision which is still dubious at best, the Spaniard looked perturbed to have been adjudged to have dived, though his performance in general never lit up the imagination of fans.

Fabregas did complete two key passes on the day, including one dribble, but only kept the ball 75.4% of the time, a rate he’d prefer to have been slightly higher. Defensively he has actually good, making two interceptions and two tackles.

He kept things ticking over, to an extent, but left the field on 88 minutes to a chorus of boos – and subsequent restrained applause – with the day not one he’ll remember too fondly, despite his side all but winning the Premier League on the day.

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