Chelsea have been handed a rude awakening after Arsenal cruised to victory with a 4-2 win at Stamford Bridge. Thomas Tuchel made four changes from the Blues' FA Cup semi-final glory against Crystal Palace, and the Blues were made to pay the price.
Former academy player Eddie Nketiah opened the London derby inside the opening quarter of an hour after latching onto a stray pass from Andreas Christensen, which threaded the 21-year-old through on goal with only Edouard Mendy to beat. Timo Werner levelled proceedings just moments later after his deflected effort looped beyond a perplexed Aaron Ramsdale.
The Gunners nipped Chelsea's momentum in the bud ten minutes later when Emile Smith Rowe handed his side the lead. Cesar Azpilicueta pulled Thomas Tuchel's side level just moments later, following a delicious combination with Mason Mount.
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But, Nketiah put Arsenal back in front to double his tally for the evening. Bukayo Saka then put the fourth and final nail in the coffin with a penalty in the dying embers after Azpilicueta wrestled the England international to the ground.
What were once minor inconveniences have grown into urgent causes of concern ahead of the summer transfer window. So we, Carefree Chelsea at football.london, have plucked out at the good, the bad and ugly moments from the clash.
Good: Mount and Azpilicueta link-up
While not many positives can be drawn from the Blues' performance, Mount and Azpilicueta's combination to draw Chelsea level at the second time of asking was to behold. The Cobham graduate's delivery found his captain at the near post, and the Spaniard stabbed the ball beyond Aaron Ramsdale.
Bad: Chelsea without Rudiger isn't a pretty sight
Chelsea suffered tremendously without Antonio Rudiger in the side. The Blues missed his arrogance, leadership and quality at the back.
The 29-year-old sees his current deal at Stamford Bridge expire at the end of the season. As it stands, he's set to leave in the summer, and Tuchel is yet to have been gifted a replacement.
In light of Chelsea's loss to Arsenal, the west London side face a worrying future without the Germany international. Rudiger should be the new owners' first port of call once the takeover saga is solved.
Ugly: Azpilcueta to sign for WWE
Any hope of Chelsea salvaging a result from the tie was extinguished when Azpilicueta wrestled Saka to the ground. The Spaniard conceded a penalty, to which the London Colney graduate converted.
It was a peculiar challenge. I wouldn't be surprised if Azpilicueta signs for WWE and becomes the new Rey Mysterio or John Cena.
