Arsenal Vs Chelsea 2017/18: A Season To Remember
The 2017/18 season was a rollercoaster for both Arsenal and Chelsea, filled with memorable moments, tactical battles, and fierce competition. This article dives deep into their encounters, overall performance, key players, and the lasting impact of that season.
Arsenal's Performance in 2017/18
The 2017/18 season marked a significant period of transition for Arsenal. Under the long-standing management of Arsène Wenger, the Gunners aimed to reassert their dominance in the Premier League and make a strong impression in other competitions. However, the season presented numerous challenges, reflecting a team in search of consistency and identity.
Premier League Campaign: Arsenal's Premier League journey in 2017/18 was characterized by a mix of highs and lows. Despite showcasing their attacking prowess in several matches, defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of resilience often cost them crucial points. The team struggled to maintain a consistent run of form, resulting in a sixth-place finish, which meant missing out on Champions League qualification for the second consecutive year. Key victories against top teams were often overshadowed by disappointing results against lower-ranked opponents, highlighting the inconsistency that plagued their campaign. The team's away form was particularly concerning, with a significant disparity between their performances at the Emirates Stadium and on the road.
Domestic Cups: In the domestic cups, Arsenal experienced a mixed bag of fortunes. They reached the final of the Carabao Cup but were ultimately defeated by Manchester City. However, they found success in the Europa League, reaching the semi-finals. This run provided a glimmer of hope and a chance to secure Champions League qualification through an alternative route. The Europa League campaign showcased Arsenal's ability to perform well in knockout competitions, but it also added to the fixture congestion, impacting their league form. Arsène Wenger often used the Europa League matches to rotate his squad, giving opportunities to younger players and those on the fringes of the first team.
Key Players and Tactics: Arsène Wenger continued to employ his favored attacking philosophy, relying on creative midfielders and dynamic forwards. Players like Mesut Özil, Alexandre Lacazette, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (who arrived in January) were crucial in providing goals and assists. However, the team's defensive frailties often undermined their attacking efforts. The tactics varied depending on the opposition, but the emphasis remained on possession-based football and quick transitions. The arrival of Aubameyang in January provided a significant boost to Arsenal's attacking options, adding pace and clinical finishing to their frontline. However, integrating new players into the team while maintaining consistency proved to be a challenge for Wenger.
Challenges and Criticisms: Throughout the season, Arsenal faced criticism for their defensive vulnerabilities, lack of tactical flexibility, and inconsistent performances. Arsène Wenger's tactics came under scrutiny, with many questioning his ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of the Premier League. The team's inability to compete with the top teams in the league raised concerns about their long-term prospects. Despite the criticisms, Wenger remained committed to his footballing principles, emphasizing the importance of attacking football and player development. However, the growing pressure from fans and pundits highlighted the need for change and a fresh approach.
Chelsea's Performance in 2017/18
Chelsea's 2017/18 season was a story of ambition, challenge, and eventual disappointment. As the defending Premier League champions, expectations were high, but the season unfolded with unforeseen hurdles and a struggle to replicate their previous success. Under the guidance of manager Antonio Conte, the Blues navigated a complex campaign, marked by tactical adjustments, player transitions, and intense competition.
Premier League Campaign: Chelsea's Premier League title defense was far from smooth. Despite starting the season with a strong squad, they encountered inconsistency and struggled to maintain their grip on the top spot. Key players experienced dips in form, and the team faced tactical challenges from their rivals. Ultimately, they finished fifth in the league, missing out on Champions League qualification, a significant setback after their title-winning campaign. The competition at the top of the Premier League was fierce, with teams like Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur all vying for the title. Chelsea's inability to consistently secure victories against these rivals proved costly in their title defense.
Domestic Cups: In the domestic cups, Chelsea had a mixed run. They reached the final of the FA Cup, where they faced Manchester United and emerged victorious, securing a trophy to salvage some pride from the season. However, their journey in the Carabao Cup was cut short, adding to the overall sense of disappointment. The FA Cup victory provided a silver lining to a challenging season, showcasing Chelsea's ability to perform under pressure in knockout competitions. However, the focus remained on their failure to secure Champions League qualification, which had significant implications for the club's future.
Key Players and Tactics: Antonio Conte's tactical approach continued to revolve around a solid defensive structure and quick transitions. Players like Eden Hazard, N'Golo Kanté, and César Azpilicueta were instrumental in implementing his strategies. However, the team struggled to find consistency in their attacking play, and key injuries disrupted their rhythm. Conte's tactics were often praised for their effectiveness in stifling opponents, but they also faced criticism for being too rigid and lacking creativity in attack. The reliance on Hazard as the primary creative outlet placed immense pressure on the Belgian winger, and when he was marked out of the game, Chelsea often struggled to break down opposition defenses.
Challenges and Criticisms: Throughout the season, Chelsea faced numerous challenges, including injuries to key players, tactical adjustments from opponents, and internal tensions. Antonio Conte's relationship with the club's hierarchy came under scrutiny, and speculation about his future at the club intensified. The team's inconsistent performances and failure to secure Champions League qualification led to criticism from fans and pundits. Despite the challenges, Conte remained committed to his tactical vision and sought to motivate his players to perform at their best. However, the growing sense of unease within the club highlighted the need for change and a fresh approach.
Head-to-Head Clashes: Arsenal vs Chelsea 2017/18
The rivalry between Arsenal and Chelsea added extra spice to the 2017/18 season. Their head-to-head clashes were filled with drama, tactical intrigue, and memorable moments. These encounters not only provided entertainment for the fans but also had significant implications for their respective campaigns.
Premier League Matches: In their Premier League encounters, both Arsenal and Chelsea fought fiercely for dominance. The matches were characterized by tactical battles, end-to-end action, and moments of brilliance. Each team managed to secure a victory at home, highlighting the competitive nature of their rivalry. The first match at Stamford Bridge ended in a goalless draw, a tightly contested affair with both teams showcasing their defensive capabilities. The return fixture at the Emirates Stadium saw Arsenal emerge victorious, with a dominant performance that boosted their morale and league position.
League Cup: Arsenal and Chelsea faced each other in the semi-final of the League Cup, a two-legged affair that provided plenty of drama and excitement. The first leg at Stamford Bridge ended in a goalless draw, setting the stage for a decisive second leg at the Emirates Stadium. In the second leg, Chelsea emerged victorious, securing their place in the final. The matches were closely contested, with both teams displaying their tactical prowess and determination to win. The League Cup encounters added another layer to their rivalry, intensifying the competition between the two London clubs.
Community Shield: Before the start of the 2017/18 season, Arsenal and Chelsea clashed in the Community Shield, a traditional curtain-raiser for the new campaign. Arsenal emerged victorious, winning the match on penalties after a 1-1 draw. This victory provided an early boost to Arsenal's confidence and set the tone for their season. The Community Shield clash was a tightly contested affair, with both teams showcasing their attacking intent and defensive resilience. The penalty shootout added drama to the occasion, with Arsenal ultimately prevailing to lift the trophy.
Key Moments and Turning Points
The 2017/18 season was defined by several key moments and turning points that shaped the destinies of Arsenal and Chelsea. These moments not only influenced their results but also had a lasting impact on the clubs and their fans.
Arsenal's January Signings: Arsenal's acquisition of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January provided a significant boost to their attacking options. Aubameyang's arrival injected pace, clinical finishing, and a sense of optimism into the team. His immediate impact on the field helped Arsenal improve their goal-scoring record and provided a much-needed spark in their performances. However, the departure of key players like Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott during the same window raised questions about the team's overall balance and depth.
Chelsea's FA Cup Victory: Chelsea's triumph in the FA Cup final against Manchester United provided a silver lining to their disappointing season. The victory not only secured a trophy but also restored some pride and confidence within the club. The FA Cup run showcased Chelsea's ability to perform under pressure in knockout competitions and provided a positive note to end the season on. However, the focus remained on their failure to secure Champions League qualification, which had significant implications for the club's future.
Managerial Pressure: Both Arsène Wenger and Antonio Conte faced mounting pressure throughout the season due to their teams' inconsistent performances and failure to meet expectations. Wenger's tactics and team selections came under scrutiny, while Conte's relationship with the club's hierarchy was strained. The managerial pressure added to the sense of unease surrounding both clubs and contributed to the overall feeling of disappointment among fans and pundits. The speculation about their futures intensified, leading to uncertainty and instability within the teams.
Conclusion
The 2017/18 season was a year of mixed fortunes for both Arsenal and Chelsea. While neither team achieved their ultimate goals, the season provided plenty of memorable moments, tactical battles, and individual brilliance. The head-to-head clashes between the two London rivals added extra spice to the campaign, showcasing the intensity and passion of their rivalry. Ultimately, the season served as a reminder of the challenges and complexities of competing at the highest level of football, with both clubs learning valuable lessons that would shape their future endeavors. For Arsenal, it marked the end of an era with Arsène Wenger's departure, while Chelsea looked to rebuild and regain their status as Premier League contenders.
