August 22, 2021
Our return to playing in front of a full crowd at the Emirates proved to be a disappointing occasion.
Two goals in the first half proved our undoing, and left us without a point from our opening two games of the season.
And the afternoon had promised so much more. After an absence of 533 days, attendance restrictions were finally lifted at Emirates Stadium, and the roar that greeted the kick-off was long, long overdue.
The players responded, and within moments we had our first shot on target - Emile Smith Rowe brought a save from Edouard Mendy from the edge of the area. Kieran Tierney was also getting forward down the left, seeing one cross blocked, then another cleared for a corner as Gabriel Martinelli lurked dangerously.
Nicolas Pepe also got the crowd on their feet with an incisive run down the right wing, but for all our encouraging opening, it was the visitors who took the lead.
Reece James was onside to receive the ball on the right, and his low cross was turned home from close range by Romelu Lukaku.
Twenty minutes later James appeared in a similar position up from right wing back, and this time finished himself high into the net.
Bukayo Saka appeared to be tripped in the area late in the half, but referee Paul Tierney awarded just a corner.
We rallied again to force a couple of late half-chances, but failed to work Mendy.
The rain began to fall heavily as the second half got underway, but Saka tried to lift the spirits with a dipping shot from 20 yards that was just tipped over.
Rob Holding headed wide when well placed from a corner, but Chelsea were looking dangerous on the break.
Mikel Arteta then turned to his captain, bringing on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for his first action of the season. He forced a save from Mendy with virtually his first touch.
At the other end Bernd Leno made a superb reaction save to push a Lukaku header on to the bar and away.
It made little difference though, and we travel to the Etihad next weekend still seeking our first points - and goals - of the season.
#arsenal #chelsea
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