Chelsea 2-3 Arsenal | Why Chelsea LOST.

While the scoreline doesn't necessarily suggest it, Arsenal were by FAR the better side. Dictating the way that Chelsea played and forcing them to play passes either before they were ready or not allowing those passes at all - Forcing Chelsea into a tempo they didn't want.

Rosenior hasn't had a lot of time to work with this Chelsea group + players were missing and while they were able to get away with that against Charlton, it's a very different story here.

Chelsea dominated possession, but due to Arsenal's great shape and defensive acumen they were able to control the progression of Chelsea for the most part and manipulate the spaces left. Chelsea created one or two moments, but you feel there was a lack of idea as to how a goal would be scored yet, relying more on instinct rather than an understanding, something that will naturally come with time on the training field but absolutely something Arsenal took advantage of.

Rosenior subbed 3/4 of his defensive line, clearly trying to adapt to the game state but it's also an acknowledgement that they weren't doing what he wanted in the first place - or rather, they weren't allowed to because of Arsenal's impressive defensive tendencies.

Only half time in this game and Chelsea had key players missing, but the Emirates is going to be a very difficult place to go and against one of the best defenses in the league Chelsea are going to need more established patterns if they're going to unsettle that impressive back line.

The 2nd leg should see some familiar faces returning and more time will have allowed Rosenior to instill his beliefs in the group a bit more which should in theory give Chelsea a better platform to build from.

Let me know what you guys think!