London Clubs in Europa League – Arsenal Shocked, Chelsea as Planned

Two London clubs played in the Europa League today, and they had totally different experiences when comparing one another. While Chelsea defeated Malmo FF on the road, Arsenal lost in Belarus against BATE Borisov.

Arsenal’s Fiasco

This was one of the most humiliating defeats in Gunners history, and it made the fans go berserk on the social networks, ripping the players and the manager Emery, demanding his resignation.

The Spaniard didn’t want to talk about his current situation, and focused instead on the comments about the game.

“Next week we are going to play another 90 minutes, and I am sure it is going to be different.” Emery started. “I trust in our players, and I trust in our stadium and supporters, There are two matches. Tonight’s match is important, but we can’t be knocked out in it.”

The only goal of the match was scored by Stanislav Dragun in the last minute of the first half, on the Igor Stasevich assist. It was a shocker for the Gunners who were dominating throughout the first 45 minutes, but without anything serious in front of BATE’s goal.

Watch the Game Highlights from BATE Borisov vs. Arsenal, 02/14/2019 https://t.co/5f4q7XaiTe

— GOAL Thailand (@Goal_TH) February 14, 2019

When looking at the entire game, guests had 77% of the possession, and only three shots on goal, the same as the home team. Their attack was inefficient, slow and without any creativity. The frustration of Arsenal’s players was evident, and the first one who couldn’t restrain his temper was Alexander Lacazette, who received a direct red card five minutes before the end.

The French international hit BATE’s defender Aleksandar Filipovic in the face with an elbow. That automatically urged the referee to show him a way out.

It was a reflection of Arsenal’s whole night, and a painful lesson to Emery who didn’t prepare his team very well for this rival.

Just to mention BATE hasn’t played a competitive match for two months, unlike the Gunners.

Chelsea Good in Sweded

Meanwhile, the Blues got the win in Sweden, by beating Malmo FF with 1-2. Ross Barkley and Olivier Giroud scored the opening two goals in the game, while Christiansen cut the deficit in half, some 10 minutes before the end.

This is was an excellent way for the Blues to bounce back from a horrifying loss against Manchester City last weekend, and to regain some confidence before a very turbulent and important period.

Manager Mauricio Sarri who earlier spoke about his tough situation, saying that his job might be endangered, was in a much better mood after the match.

“We deserved to win by more.” the Italian concluded at the press. “But I am happy because we played with confidence and that wasn’t really very easy after the last match.”

Chelsea too, had an enormous percentage of the possession, 74, but unlike Arsenal, they didn’t allow any surprises. Steady, with a clear plan they were trying to break the home team’s defense which was by the way very good, and reliable for the majority of the game.

Malmo is a strong and very demanding team when talking in terms of physicality. Like all the Scandinavian clubs, they have several big players who are a threat when it comes to set-pieces.

Watch the Game Highlights from Malmö FF vs. Chelsea, 02/14/2019 https://t.co/ds6scQb8Er

— GOAL Thailand (@Goal_TH) February 14, 2019

The rematches will be played in one week time. Arsenal is in a tough position, but we are pretty sure that Emirates are going to be of huge help for the Gunners, who are displaying a huge difference in performances at home and on the road.

Chelsea will have a lighter task, and Sarri might even rest some of the players and give a chance to the youngsters who didn’t appear much in the Premiership.

All and all, the English clubs have a solid chance to both advance to the next phase.