Walcott goal not enough as Arsenal lose to Chelsea

Arsenal dropped yet more points as they once more failed to win in the League this year. The defeat this time was to London rivals Chelsea as two controversial first half goals saw off the Gunners. Arsenal were awful in the first half but a spirited second half display saw them grab a goal back through Theo Walcott, who has recently signed a new contract amongst speculation that he was set to leave the club. However they couldn't get the all important equaliser which meant Arsenal still hadn't won a league game in 2013. Wenger named an unchanged lineup from the team that had faced Swansea in the week as Coquelin resumed in midfield alongside Diaby. Wilshere was in a more attacking position with Cazorla out wide once again.

Walcott followed up signing a new contract with a goal against Chelsea

The first chance of the match went Arsenal's way as Theo Walcott slipped in Olivier Giroud but he drilled the ball just wide of the post.

However it was Chelsea who broke the deadlock as a minute later they were ahead. They ball was played over the top into Mata who took one touch before firing home. The goal was a bit controversial though as it looked as though Coquelin had been fouled by Ramires in the build up.

Shortly after the goal, Arsenal came close to finding the equaliser as Cazorla drove the ball from distance but Cech was there to tip it wide.

It was end to end football and then Hazard got a chance to show what he's capable of as he weaved his way towards goal before testing Szczesny who was equal to it.

Chelsea were then awarded with a penalty after Szczesny had brought down Ramires. It was Frank Lampard who stepped up to take and he sent the Arsenal keeper the wrong way to make it 2-0.

Ramires then had a chance of his own as he got past Gibbs with ease before firing over the bar.

Just before the break the Blues had a great chance to extend their lead further as the ball came out to Torres following a free-kick but he blazed the opportunity over the bar.

The score at half time was 2-0 to Chelsea.

The first chance of the second half came through the unlikely source of Per Mertesacker. Wilshere's free-kick was nodded into the path of the big German but from the penalty spot, he struck his shot straight at Cech.

Arsenal had come out much better in this second half as they then got another opportunity. Wilshere clipped the ball into Walcott who got into the penalty area before firing into the arms of Cech.

Olivier Giroud then had a decent chance to get Arsenal back into it. Gibbs' cross found him at the back post but his header was tame and it didn't trouble Chelsea.

Just before the hour mark the Gunners finally grabbed a goal. Cazorla picked the ball up on the halfway line and then slipped in Theo Walcott who raced clear and then fired past Cech. It was a great finish from Walcott following signing a new three year deal in the week.

Walcott then had another chance as Wilshere found him on the right flank. He then cut inside before dragging the ball harmlessly wide.

Chelsea then had a great chance to seal it through Demba Ba as he was played in and then rounded Szczesny before firing towards goal. However Vermaelen was in the way to clear it off the line.

4 minutes from the end of the game the Gunners almost found themselves an equaliser. Thomas Vermaelen tried driving the ball towards the far corner from a free-kick but it went wide.

The final score finished Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Chelsea: Cech, Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Cahill, Cole, Lampard, Ramires, Oscar(72), Hazard(88), Mata, Torres(81).
Subs: Turnbull, Ferreira, Terry, Bertrand(72), Ake, Marin(88), Ba(81).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Coquelin(58), Diaby(75), Wilshere, Cazorla, Walcott, Giroud. 
Subs: Mannone, Jenkinson, Santos, Koscielny, Frimpong, Ramsey(58), Arshavin(75).

My man of the match: Theo Walcott

Referee: Martin Atkinson
Attendance: 41,784