Top Five Talking Points from Arsenal vs. Chelsea – on Costa, Giroud, Sanchez and More

Arsenal once again fell victim to Diego Costa. For the second time this season, the Gunners succumbed to the Blues.

The Gunners were reduced to ten men after Per Mertesacker was sent off for his challenge on Diego Costa with 18 minutes on the clock. From there on it was a mountain to climb for the Gunners; in the end, the game ended 1-0 to the Blues.

Here are five things we learned from the game:

1) Diego Costa is Arsenal’s biggest nemesis

Arsenal quite simply have no answer to Diego Costa’s trickery. He once again got an Arsenal centre-back sent off and then scored the winner in the crucial game.

2) Time and time again Arsenal falter over in their title pursuit

Time and time again, Arsenal have failed to take advantage of opponents dropping points this season. Man City, yesterday, dropped points against West Ham, but Arsenal, once again, failed to capitalize and now sit in third place in the league table.

3) Substituting Giroud didn’t turn out to be a good decision

Arsene Wenger’s decision to bring off Olivier Giroud after Per Mertesacker’s red card was met with boos at Emirates Stadium. One might think that Theo Walcott would have been a better choice to sacrifice as Giroud could have provided a better focal point in attack.

He could have come handy in set piece situations also.

4) Guus Hiddink must be hoping that this result will start a series of wins for the Blues

Chelsea have failed to manage a series of wins this season. Following draws in last two games, Guus Hiddink must be hoping that the Blues will go on a winning run now.

John Terry still believes that the West London club can secure a top four spot.

The only bit of good news for Arsenal was the return of Alexis Sanchez. After missing out on football for two months due to a hamstring injury, the Chilean made a second half appearance for the Gunners and looked lively in the closing stages of the game.