Chelsea were lucky to escape the London derby with a point, with Arsenal emerging the better team at Stamford Bridge on the day.
Chelsea came into the derby as favourites over Arsenal, with the Blues on a better run of form compared to the Gunners. However, as the game unfolded, Arsenal looked the better side, despite Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil on the bench, and would be disappointed to return from Stamford Bridge with just a point to show for their efforts.
Aaron Ramsey’s brilliant effort should have earned Arsenal the lead and the rebound from the effort should have, lest Alexandre Lacazette sky it into the crowd.
People were quick to praise Arsene Wenger for the result, without Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, with the Gunners looking more fluid without the German, in particular on the day.
Credit to Wenger and Arsenal. They’ve had a lot of stick recently. Solid, organised and defended excellently today. Much improved.
— Joey Barton (@Joey7Barton) September 17, 2017
Away performances like that from Arsenal are just what we ask for. Resilient, tactical. We know Wenger can do it, but he has no consistency.
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) September 17, 2017
Excellent performance. That was for all of you who said we had no chance. Resilience and organisation.
Wenger vs Conte:
WLWWD— North Bank Nadim (@NorthBankNadim) September 17, 2017
Before I forget, that walk-over dominance that Chelsea under Jose Mourinho have over Wenger and Arsenal is disappearing under Antonio Conte.
— EDAFE MATT ESEOGHENE (@ELEGBETE1) September 17, 2017
Brilliant result for Wenger. Can’t believe anyone doubted him today ??
— Andy Goldstein MBE (@andygoldstein05) September 17, 2017
Sead Kolasinac was the star of the day and his performance, clubbed with his strength to shrug off the nasty challenge from David Luiz was highlighted by the fans on social media.
Genuinely thought Kolasinac had broken his leg. How stupid of me to forget he’s made from Valyrian Steel.
— jeremie (@aliladiere) September 17, 2017
Some of you Arsenal fans never thank God for the things in life. Wake up in the morning & thank him that we got Sead Kolasinac for free.
— Mohamed ElNneny (@ElNnenyM) September 14, 2017
Kolasinac just gets up from a crunching tackle you could hear from China.
— Chris Dixon (@chrismd10) September 17, 2017
That David Luiz ‘tackle’ would’ve ended the career of basically any footballer in the world apart from Kolasinac
— JB™ (@gunnerpunner) September 17, 2017
When was the last time we saw a Arsenal player react like this? Tank!! #Kolasinac #CFCvAFC pic.twitter.com/oBungCm8FC
— El Comandante (@ElComandante84) September 17, 2017
If Kolasinac spilled my pint, I’d apologise to him and buy him ten more.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) September 17, 2017
Kolasinac only needed magic spray for a leg breaker.
— Kick Arse (@kickarseHD) September 17, 2017
The only thing I have taken away from this game is Kolasinac would walk away from a bear attack unharmed.
— Nick (@Nick28T) September 17, 2017
How Sead Kolašinac got on and played after that tackle sums him up. What a beast.
— – (@WengerTactic_) September 17, 2017
Didn’t even know Kolasinac could feel pain?
— Manny? (@Manny_Official) September 17, 2017
Kolasinac has been nothing short of a revelation since joining Arsenal. Don’t let the charlatans on here tell you otherwise.
— RG⁶ (@registability) September 17, 2017
Mesut Ozil, surprisingly, bore the brunt of Arsenal fans, despite not even being on the pitch.
Its no surprise, our team better without Ozil
— Tired Arsene (@Thug_gooner) September 17, 2017
Elephant in the room. Team much better without ozil
— Volumiser_AFC (@Volumiser_AFC) September 17, 2017
Arsenal played well. See what happens when they don’t have to carry Ozil…?
— talkSPORTDrive (@talkSPORTDrive) September 17, 2017
It’s soo obvious to the blind that if ozil had started today, we would hav lost the game. Every fan that has functional eyes can see that.
— BIG BEN (@merengue4) September 17, 2017