Arsenal ground out another three points, once again relying on set-pieces – specifically another two goals from corners to add to their haul of 16 this season.
That is more than a quarter of their league goals. It doesn't matter how you score in each game as long as you get it over the line, but the stifled creativity in open play is definitely becoming a concern.
Chelsea ran Arsenal as close as you can and could claim to have been the better team when a man down in the final 20 minutes. It was arguably Liam Rosenior’s most impressive coaching display since he arrived at the club despite the loss. Still, the defeat does make it just two points from the past nine available with a very tough run to come.
Are Arsenal getting jittery, was it just that the Blues had nothing to lose near the end of the game or was it a little weariness creeping into Arteta's side? I think the latter is the most likely and no wonder with the club still chasing four trophies.
They are the strongest squad in the Premier League in terms of depth, but the lack of spark was evident at the Emirates as the game wore on. Maybe this is why this set-piece dependence has become ever-more pronounced. However tired you are during a match, you can always get yourself set for a corner.
Arsenal managed the game just well enough and that is one of the signs of champions, but Pep Guardiola will have thought that this wasn't the performance of a team cruising imperiously into the home straight.
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