Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has just refused to agree with what he’s been told about Arsenal in the wake of last night’s game.
Mikel Arteta watched his side deliver a masterclass at the Emirates, a performance full of tempo and belief.
Chelsea had their moments, but ultimately weren’t able to match Arsenal in any regard by the end of the game.
Perhaps some of the away fans will feel aggrieved to lose that match 5-0, but there was clear gap in quality when it came to the final third.
Kai Havertz clearly enjoyed his evening against his old side, endearing himself to the Arsenal faithful even more than before.
Thomas Partey was also a huge influence in the middle, proving how much he’s been missed this season.
Arsenal do surrender some control defensively with the Ghanaian in the pivot in comparison to Declan Rice, but what they gain offensively with his progressive passing is well worth it.
That being said, Mauricio Pochettino didn’t seem in the mood to compliment Arsenal too heavily after the game, instead blaming his own side’s insufficiencies.
Mauricio Pochettino disagreed that Arsenal were simply too good for Chelsea
Speaking in an interview with BBC Sport immediately after the game, the Chelsea manager admitted that Arsenal played well, but felt Chelsea handed them the game more than anything else.
The interviewer initially said: “Arsenal played very good football, they were superb tonight, you have very good teams coming up with Aston Villa too…”
Pochettino then replied: “Of course, Arsenal is a very good team. But I do not agree, I think we allowed them to play.
“I think we gave them all the possibility to play and create chances, that’s why we are disappointed.
“In the moment when we increased our level and were more aggressive, the game was in some parts, an even game.
“But I think it is too inconsistent during 90 minutes today, to keep the energy you need.”
Of course, Arsenal have proved this season that they don’t necessarily need an invitation to dominate games in such fashion, anyway.
Mauricio Pochettino is right to criticise his own team, but Arsenal were still the protagonists, making haste of their opportunity to create a four point gap ahead of Manchester City.
And Mikel Arteta’s men can now take a brief moment to relax and watch tonight and tomorrow’s games, before they go do it all over again in Sunday’s North London Derby.
All that being said, one Arsenal player may need that rest after recently admitting how fatigued he felt.
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