Chelsea FC Thrash Arsenal FC 6-0

Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Chelsea had another big game this week, against a big time opponent. The Blues welcomed London rival into Stamford Bridge for a clash of title contenders. Chelsea sit atop the table, but in a somewhat precarious position having played more games than all of their title rivals. With a victory, Arsenal could see themselves leap into 2nd place, and right on the heels of Chelsea.

The game began quickly, with both teams seeming to want an open, free flowing type of play. In just the third minute Laurent Koscielny gave the ball away in his own half, Samuel Eto’o had a great scoring chance but keeper Wojciech Szczesny made himself big and forced a save. The ball spilled out from under him, but was cleared away.

Just a minute later it was Petr Cech forced into action. Olivier Giroud made a darting run into the penalty area and got on the end of pass. His opportunity was parried away. This would prove to be the Gunners last major chance of the half.

The 5th minute was the beginning of a goal glut for Chelsea. Eto’o received the ball on the right hand side near the top of the penalty box, beat his marker by cutting on to his left foot, and placed the ball just ast the fingertips of Szczesny making the game 1-0. Just two minutes later it was Andre Schurrle who got in on the action. Schurrle ran at the defense, with nobody wanting to press or make a challenge on the ball. He continued his run and finished calmly, celebrating with the assist man Nemanja Matic. After just seven minutes gone it was 2-0 to the Blues.

Things went from bad to worse for the Gunners, after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain conceded a penalty in the 15th minute. Though it was Oxlade-Chamberlain who committed the handball, Kieran Gibbs was the man sent off. Either way, Arsenal were a man down, and then 3-0 down after Eden Hazard converted the spot kick.

Just as Arsenal thought they could put the first half behind them and regroup, Chelsea added another. Fernando Torres latched on to a pass, but took it wide instead of charging at goal. This freed up space for oncoming midfield players, and it was Oscar who added to the tally, by finishing from close range. The halftime score 4-0, with presumably no way back for Arsenal.

As the second half began, Arsene Wengers men came out and played a bit more inspired. They tried their best to play their usual, possession type of game, with plenty of short passing, often times resulting in a beautiful goal. This almost came to fruition as Santi Cazorla saw an opportunity, but put his shot just wide of Cech’s far post.

Any thought that Chelsea would let up was put to rest, after Oscar secured a brace in the 66th minute. His drive fooled Szczesny, who was able to recover and get fingertips to the ball, but couldn’t keep it out of the back of the net. Then in the 70th minute, substitute Mohamed Salah got himself on the score sheet with a nice finish.

The only concern to takeaway from the game will be one Samuel Eto’o, who went off injured shortly after opening the scoring.

After this Chelsea coasted to the finish line, with little opposition. The win will put the Blues on 69 points, and seven points clear at the top of the league table. With the club drawing a dangerous Paris St. Germain side in the next stage of the UEFA Champions League, hopefully the blues can take confidence from this game, and begin a string of good results leading into that tie.

Man of the Match – Andre Schurrle; Schurrle contributed in all facets of the game, grabbing a goal and helping out with an assist as well.

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