For the opening 55 minutes at the Emirates this was a bitty, fun, meandering game, an odd mix of sublime moments of skill, bruising collisions and clodhopping errors. From a Chelsea point of view there will be major regrets that a period of first-half dominance wasn’t converted into goals. Above all Antonio Conte will be frustrated that a performance of sublime playmaking on the left of midfield from Cesc Fàbregas wasn’t rewarded with greater incision in front of goal.
Fàbregas didn’t just pass the ball better than anyone else, he did so with a style and grace that came from a different place altogether. As he came off the pitch there was the rare sight of both the home and away fans applauding, notwithstanding the odd partisan boo.
Related: Hectór Bellerín makes late amends for Arsenal after Chelsea comeback
Related: Arsenal 2-2 Chelsea: Premier League – as it happened
Continue reading...