Arsenal produced a stunning, and perhaps surprising display to beat Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night – and Breel Embolo has applauded Gunners ace Granit Xhaka for something he did in the first half.
Coming into the match having lost their last three games to Southampton, Brighton and Crystal Palace – Arsenal were tasked with beating Chelsea in what was their game in hand over Tottenham, to go level on points.
Mikel Arteta made a few changes – bringing in fringe players such as Mo Elneny, Rob Holding, Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith-Rowe. It paid off, Nketiah scoring twice, and Elneny reminding all what he can do in midfield.
Smith-Rowe also netted, while Holding played his part at the back. Smith-Rowe also got one, while Bukayo Saka won and scored a late penalty. £35million (Mail) Xhaka was also solid, playing a part in Smith-Rowe’s goal.
Arsenal won the ball back in their own box, and Xhaka came away with it – nutmegging Marcos Alonso before feeding Martin Odegaard, before Smith-Rowe scored. Embolo, Xhaka’s Switzerland mate, reacted on Instagram.
Embolo on Xhaka: Do Arsenal have what it takes to get fourth?
What both Arteta and Arsenal showed on Wednesday night, is that their fringe players can do the job – alongside their starting players. With Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney and others injured, squad depth is crucial.
The win could not have come at a more important time and heaps the pressure back on to Tottenham – who take on in-form Brentford on Saturday evening. Arsenal have what it takes, but consistency is key.
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