Arsenal fans received their first glimpse of Joao Felix in Premier League action last night since he rejected the Gunners for Chelsea.
According to The Athletic, Mikel Arteta was keen to sign the Portugal international, although he felt more attracted to the project at Stamford Bridge compared to what is happening at the Emirates Stadium.
It was a nightmare debut for Felix as he received a straight red card in the 58th minute following a studs-up challenge on Kenny Tete, before Chelsea went on to lose 2-1 at Craven Cottage.
Before the 23-year-old was dismissed, Chelsea fans were heard bellowing out a chant for their new No.11 which also involved Arsenal.
What’s the story?
Well, Chelsea fans decided to remind Arsenal supporters that Felix rejected them almost immediately as their 2-1 defeat to Fulham kicked off.
In the tenth minute of the London derby, Chelsea fans could be heard singing: “Joao Felix, he comes from Portugal, he hates the Arsenal.”
That was according to James Olley of ESPN.
In truth, some Arsenal fans probably did feel a bit jealous about missing out on Felix based on his display before receiving a straight red card.
The Portuguese forward had six shots – more than any other player on the pitch – getting four of those on target, which was again more than anyone else managed to have.
Felix also completed two dribbles and won four freekicks for Chelsea – according to WhoScored.
It was a very bright display, although unfortunately for the Chelsea new boy, he will have to spend the next three games on the sidelines before he can build on it.
Joao Felix should have picked Arsenal over Chelsea
Watching Felix’s fluid nature in attack last night made it clear that he would have thrived in Arteta’s system.
Of course, Felix could still do well under Graham Potter, but as things stand, Chelsea look rigid and clueless going forward, whereas Arsenal seem decisive, clinical and aware of what they need to do.
With talent such as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard feeding him, the on-loan Atlético Madrid man surely would have been better off at Arsenal.
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