Chelsea 0-1 Arsenal: 3 things Potter got wrong in derby

Chelsea’s tendency to overplay

Yes, possession football was a mainstay of Thomas Tuchel’s strategic implementation, but there seemed to be an end result to the play more often than not. A stagnant feeling is beginning to emanate as the ball is played harmlessly around at the back, or not advanced quickly and decisively enough.

Incidentally, Zakaria was instrumental in that very capacity in his sole appearance. A game in which he netted a goal, I may add. Gallagher being introduced earlier might have helped here, to be honest. Rekindling the lost art of dribbling, periodically, is my honest advice, personnel permitting. Opening up space, drawing defenders out of position, beating an adversary – what’s not to like?!

The head coach’s indecisiveness

Chelsea are now 13 points behind their LDN rivals in the EPL; the weekend fixture was an opportunity to be bold, within reason. A victory at Stamford Bridge for the home team would have obviously resulted in only a seven point gap between the two.

With CFC unavoidably in a transitional period – I know the term has become cliche, though it is accurate – that hypothetical margin would have been a boost for UCL qualification next season. Not to mention being a figurative statement for the Blues. The trepidation shown by the former Brighton & Hove Albion manager was counterproductive to efforts vs Mikel Arteta’s men. An example being Havertz remaining on the pitch for the entirety of the first half following a terrible afternoon on the ball – let alone him coming back out after the interval.