Arsenal managed to get a similar result against Chelsea yet again in Wembley as they edged past their London rivals on penalties in the Community Shield game on Sunday. While the stakes were much lower this time and both the teams opted for rather weaker sides, the outcome surely does throw some light on their potentials for the season commencing next week.
Here are the three talking points.
Is Sead Kolasinac the transfer of the season?
It was early in the game in the 32nd minute when a bleeding Per Mertesacker had to make way for Sead Kolasinac to guard the defence. Arsene Wenger decided to play him behind Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the left-sided centre-half role with Nacho Monreal coming in the middle. While critics have often touted him to be tailor-made for the left wing-back position, his start came in a more restricted role.
It was just minutes after his arrival that the Bosnian international was seen making a solo run through the middle on one of the counters. Although it didn’t amount to much, it did signal his intent very early. Since his previous loss against Chelsea in the pre-season, which saw him playing as a centre half as well, Kolasinac has improved massively.
No more was he found out of position with acres of free space behind and he waited patiently at the back, releasing Chamberlain at every opportunity. Though it was a mistake on Chelsea’s part that led to the goal, Kolasinac’s ability to lose his marker was pretty praise worthy. And the fact that Arsenal has managed to land such a talent for nothing, could make him the transfer of the season.
Arsenal’s dangerous depth in attack
It was quite shocking to see Arsene Wenger coming into the game without the likes of Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey, who have been the lynchpins for Arsenal’s attack in the preseason games. But the brilliant counters of Alex Iwobi and Danny Welbeck behind Alexandre Lacazette from the playmaking positions have given Arsene Wenger as many as three combinations for his front three.
If the availability of Olivier Giroud on the bench has given Arsenal a plan B last season, the French gaffer surely has up to a plan-D now. With Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott coming into the mix, Arsenal can throw out many things their opponents will be unprepared for. And with Europa League as one of their main challenges next season, Wenger can use them wisely.
Has Chelsea taken a step backwards?
Though a bit late, the Blues have splurged over £140 million to get in some world class players from some of the big clubs. However, they seem more like potential replacements rather than a squad upgrade. While Alvaro Morata could be a better player than Diego Costa up front in terms of finishing and aerial abilities, the time he takes to adapt to the side could already be too late for Blues.
Similarly, while Tiemoue Bakayoko is definitely a young and impressive replacement for Nemanja Matic in their midfield, he is more of an upgrade on Nathaniel Chalobah. Chelsea are awaiting a few more arrivals this summer and Antonio Conte will hope they give them the edge.
