In the aftermath of Thursday night's abject surrender of Ashburton Grove to FC Koln's fans, the 'Wenger Out Brigade' were presented the perfect opportunity to re-group at Stamford Bridge. In recent years this fixture has epitomised the fragilities of the current Arsenal team and has proven to be a recruiting sergeant for the 'Wenger Out Brigade'.
New Stadium Curse
Least we forget, the move from Highbury to Ashburton Grove was justified on the basis that this will provide us with the financial power to compete with not just the premier league but also European elites. Unfortunately, our record against the big teams since the move has proven to be beyond embarrassing.
For example, since our last away win to Chelsea (5-3 score line) back in 2011/12, we have played them five times, lost five, scored two goals and conceded 15 goals. Indeed, a dreadful run of results.
So will today prove to be different? Or will we get more of the same? These were just two of the questions I pondered as I made my way downtown to the official Arsenal supporters club in time for the kick off.
Men of Steel
Thankfully, my worst fears did not materialise and the team put in a chalk and cheese performance in comparison to their last away game at Liverpool. They were tenacious, hunted in packs, first to loose balls, muscled their way through Chelsea players to knick balls and so on.
We also managed to create two decent chances in the first half - when Bellerin crossed for Welbeck to glance his header wide and Kolasinac riffling a shot from outside the box that the Chelsea keeper so nearly palmed to the feet of an Arsenal player.
To be fair, both teams should have ended the half with a goal apiece. Pedro should have scored for Chelsea when he broke the Arsenal offside trap from a ball over the top and was through one-on-one with Cech. A combination of Kolscieny chasing back and Cech staying upright for as long as possible led to Pedro shooting against the keepers knee.
Arsenal's opportunity arose after Ramsey slalomed his way past a couple of Chelsea players before digging out a shot that beat Courtois in the Chelsea goal but hit the inside base of the post. The rebound fell to the laden left foot of Lacazette, who somehow failed to score.
Enter Sideshow Bob - left of centre
The second half was livened up by the performance of sideshow Bob who after his first yellow card, I remarked that he's bound to get a red card today. He didn't let me down as his reckless studs up tackle on Kolasinac was shown a straight red card by the ref. Mustafi did manage to get the ball in the net earlier, but I saw the ref ruling it out for offside straight away so didn't get too excited.
Not a bad Sunday afternoon then, a moral victory, the first away point of the season and a cameo by Sideshow Bob.
What's Next
A home game against Doncaster in the Milk Cup to be followed by Tony Pullis's West Brom also visiting Ashburton Grove in the Premier League.