Derby bankruptcy against Arsenal: Werner's bitter goal doldrums continue

Saturday 26 December 2020

Derby bankruptcy against Arsenal
Werner's bitter peat lows persist

Timo Werner no longer hits the goal – instead, his Chelsea FC conceded a painful derby bankruptcy against Arsenal FC. The Gunners ranigeren still far down in the Premier League table, but with the surprising win they make up for their worst league start in 46 years.

Again no hit and the substitution already at halftime: Timo Werner's goal doldrums at Chelsea did not come to an end even with a painful derby bankruptcy on Boxing Day. The German international striker surprisingly lost 1: 3 (0: 2) with Chelsea at the troubled Arsenal FC and has now been without a goal for 651 minutes of competitive play.

Chelsea's team manager Frank Lampard had seen enough after 45 minutes this time. He replaced Werner with Callum Hudson-Odoi. Kai Havertz came on late (74th), Antonio Rüdiger was not used.

Alexandre Lacazette (35th, penalty kick) delivered Arsenal the liberating goal after the worst league start in 46 years. Granit Xhaka scored a dream for the team of the rarely challenged national goalkeeper Bernd Leno with a free kick (44th), Bukayo Saka (56th) scored the third goal. Tammy Abraham (85.) scored for Chelsea, in stoppage time Leno parried a penalty from Jorginho (90. + 1).

For Arsenal it was only the fifth win of the season. As 14th, the London club is still in the lower middle of the table. The Blues slipped to sixth after their fourth defeat and are now six points behind leaders Liverpool.

Arsenal have to do without Gabriel

Before the game, Arsenal announced that the Brazilian defender Gabriel had contact with a person suffering from Corona and had to go into isolation. The 23-year-old will be missing the next three games. His compatriots David Luiz and Willian tested negative, but didn't feel well and dropped out.

In the 0-0 draw between Fulham FC and Ralph Hasenhüttls FC Southampton, the team of the former Bundesliga coach was denied two goals by the video assistant. Aston Villa prevailed 3-0 (1-0) against Crystal Palace. At the top of the table, the pursuers of the defending champions Liverpool FC took the points away from each other. The table runners-up Leicester City and Manchester United separated 2: 2 (1: 1) and opened the Reds, trained by Jürgen Klopp, the opportunity to pull away in the title race. Liverpool, who started their 15th matchday four points ahead of Leicester, are favorites in their home game against penultimate West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.