Reece James has admitted Chelsea found it difficult to open up a well-drilled Arsenal during their 1-0 defeat to Mikel Arteta’s side at Stamford Bridge, speaking to the club’s official website.
In truth, defence hasn’t been the problem for Arsenal this season.
With just 38 goals conceded in 36 games, only two teams in the Premier League have been breached less often than the crisis-hit London giants – champions Manchester City and Chelsea themselves.
And, during last night’s tense London derby, Arsenal secured a much-needed morale-boosting win at one of Europe’s form sides, producing a display full of discipline, determination and bodies-on-the-line, never-say-die tenacity.
The visitors mustered only 32 per cent possession and two shots on target but that was enough to deal a hammer blow to Chelsea’s Champions League prospects, with Emile Smith Rowe’s first-half tap-in following a Jorginho blunder proving the difference.
And James, the usually rampaging right-back who was kept at arms’ length by an Arsenal side camped for long spells on the edge of their own 18-yard box, admits breaking down such a tight-knit defence was easier said than done.
“Arsenal are a good team and they are hard to break down,” said the England international after the game.
That’s not to say Chelsea didn’t have opportunities.
Kai Havertz skied an early sitter after a rare Pablo Mari error, Rob Holding blocked Mason Mount’s shot on the line, while Kurt Zouma and Olivier Giroud both hit the woodwork at the death.
“We had chances to score and we didn’t take them,” James adds.
“We can’t dwell on it too long because we have an (FA Cup) final coming up on Saturday so we need to get our heads up and bounce back.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
