1. Arsenal’s defensive frailties still present
All of Chelsea’s goals stemmed from defensive errors.
Sokratis and Mustafi did well in large part, especially in containing Chelsea’s second-half possession domination.
Though the goals for both Pedro and Morata were due to the poor overall organisation, as much as individual errors.
This can and will improve if Emery and the players can work hard at it.
Though facing attackers of the quality of Sterling, Aguero, Hazard, etc. will be difficult for any team. This doesn’t ameliorate lapses in concentration and positioning, which were evident in the Chelsea game.
As said, this can be corrected in time, and it shows, if anything, what progress needs to be made.
2. Emery’s style is emerging
Cech and the defence were more adept at playing from the back, certainly vis a vis the match against Manchester City.
And this in time can and will improve, if the proper attention to detail is executed.
Moreover, the midfield and defence did press more, and Emery has stated he expects his players to enhance their fitness and expend more energy.
This was not a critical point under Wenger. However, given the demands of the contemporary football, a pressing style is elemental.
We can see how well this style manifests in a few months time. But for now, it’s developing and showing some signs of advancement.
3. Emery’s touchline presence
It’s unfair to say that Wenger never was active on the touchline. However, Emery definitely is more direct in giving instructions from this position.
At the Man City game, he was near constant at the touchline in delivering instructions. The Chelsea game was no different.
This shows a change in attitude and the attention to detail that was lacking under the latter part of Wenger’s tenure. This isn’t to knock Wenger at all.
However, it was self-evident that the team needed more guidance and structure. It looks like Emery is the man to deliver this, but patience is desirable in this case.
It will take time to implement what is desired, and cannot be a quick fix.
4. Aubameyang needs to score soon
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a world-class forward, with a record that puts him amongst the best in Europe in recent years.
However, in this game and in the City game, he was poor. He had a glorious chance to equalise after Chelsea scored initially, and then another later in the first half.
It could be the new system, or manager, which he is adjusting though he clearly did very well in the latter part of 17/18.
Few will be panicking at the moment. But a striker of his quality needs to score, and soon. The other “mega-strikers” in the league have scored thus far, including Salah, Kane, Aguero (Community Shield), Lukaku and Vardy. Aubameyang needs to keep up, though it is very early in the season.
Perhaps, he needs to play with Lacazette, or some other attacking support, to recover his form. It’s way too early to suggest there is a deeper issue at hand here. And he did score 10 goals in 13 games in 17/18, and amidst much turmoil at the club.