Our Arsenal week 33 match review covers the Gunners defeating Chelsea 3-1 at home and Newcastle 2-0 at St. James’ Park. These wins keep Arsenal in the title race with 81 points. Let’s discuss these two crucial wins.
Arsenal Week 33 Match Review: The Positives
Ramsdale Made Eight Saves in Two Games
Aaron Ramsdale was excellent in both of these games. Against Chelsea, he made a total of three saves and ensured that the Gunners did not concede a second goal in that game. His distribution against Chelsea was excellent and the one goal Arsenal conceded against Chelsea was not Ramsdale’s fault.
Ramsdale was even better against Newcastle, where he faced far more attacking intensity from the home side. Aaron Ramsdale made five saves in that match, including one outstanding save to preserve Arsenal’s 1-0 lead in the second half. The Gunners needed Ramsdale to be at his best against Newcastle and that was certainly the case.
Arsenal Week 33 Match Review: Arsenal’s Defense Was Solid Overall
The Gunners also defended well against Newcastle and Chelsea overall. Ben White and Jakub Kiwior played especially well in those two games. Gabriel Magalhaes made one error leading to Chelsea’s goal, but aside from that, he defended intelligently and bravely as usual. The Gunners only allowed Chelsea to get four shots on target in the entire match.
Against Newcastle, the Gunners defended well against plenty of pressure. They defended well, won headers, and got back in transition when Newcastle were on the break. Jakub Kiwior played very well against Newcastle and Chelsea, aside from a shaky first couple of minutes against Chelsea. There was one significant missed defensive header against Newcastle, but Arsenal still defended well overall at St. James’ Park.
Arsenal’s Midfield Dominated Chelsea and Held Their Own Against Newcastle
The Gunners’ midfield dominated Chelsea, enjoying 55% possession in that game. Jorginho stepped in for Partey in both games and shielded the back four well, in addition to helping Arsenal control the game with his passing. Xhaka got two assists against Chelsea, both to Martin Odegaard. Xhaka now has five goals and eight assists this season and has been back to his best in recent weeks. Granit Xhaka also made a goal-saving tackle against Newcastle.
Odegaard was the star of Arsenal’s midfield in both games, despite strong performances from Jorginho and Xhaka. Martin Odegaard scored twice against Chelsea and created plenty of chances in both games. Odegaard scored a sensational goal for Arsenal’s first goal against Newcastle, as well. Odegaard now has 15 goals and seven assists, tying Kevin De Bruyne for the most non-penalty goals by a Premier League midfielder in a single season.
Arsenal’s Attack Overpowered Chelsea and Broke Through Newcastle’s Defense
It was unsurprising that the Gunners’ attack overwhelmed Chelsea’s defense. Arsenal got 10 shots on goal against Chelsea and created numerous chances. Odegaard scored twice against Chelsea and Jesus played well against Chelsea, scoring Arsenal’s third goal. Jesus also worked quite hard against Newcastle.
Trossard posed a danger to Chelsea but did not score. Martinelli returned to the starting 11 against Newcastle. His shot led to Schar’s own goal and therefore Arsenal’s second goal against Newcastle. The Gunners’ attack faced a stiffer test against Newcastle, but they still managed six shots on target against Newcastle and two goals. It’s also great to see a plethora of players scoring for Arsenal at the moment.
Arsenal Week 33 Match Review: The Negatives
Zinchenko Struggled Defensively in Both Games
Oleksandr Zinchenko has been one of Arsenal’s best players overall this season. However, he struggled defensively in these two games, particularly against Newcastle. Zinchenko had a particularly difficult time against Jacob Murphy in the Newcastle game. Arteta substituted Kieran Tierney on for Zinchenko in the second half against Newcastle and that was a wise decision.
No Clean Sheet and Slow Start Against Chelsea
Arsenal failed to keep a clean sheet against Chelsea and started off slowly in that game. The Gunners seemed a bit nervous in the beginning of the game, which is somewhat understandable given the previous bad run of form. Also, Arsenal failed to keep a clean sheet against Chelsea, despite dominating most of that game. Gabriel Magalhaes made an error which led to the Chelsea goal.
MOTM: Odegaard vs. Chelsea and Ramsdale vs. Newcastle
Martin Odegaard certainly deserves Man of the Match against Chelsea. He scored twice and was masterful in that game. He continues to lead by example as Arsenal’s captain this season.
Odegaard also had a great performance against Newcastle, but Ramsdale gets Man of the Match against Newcastle in my opinion. Ramsdale made five saves, including an incredible save in the second half against Newcastle. Aaron Ramsdale also distributed the ball quite well against Newcastle and did not make any errors. Ramsdale earned the clean sheet against Newcastle.
Manager Rating: 8/10 vs. Chelsea and 9/10 vs. Newcastle
Arteta managed both of these games well. He set up the team well for success in both matches, although the Gunners did start off slowly against Chelsea. His choice to start Jorginho and Kiwior in these two games proved wise, as both players played very well in both games. Starting Zinchenko against Newcastle was the only questionable decision in these two games, but Arteta rectified that by subbing on Tierney in the second half.
Arsenal Week 33 Match Review: Arsenal Return Home to Face Brighton Next
The Gunners return home to the Emirates to face Brighton in another must-win game. Hopefully, Arsenal will win again and keep their title hopes alive. They have an excellent home record this season and have already beaten Brighton earlier in the campaign. I would bet on another Arsenal victory.
Check back next week for more Arsenal content.