In the build-up to yesterday’s Emirates showdown, Arsene Wenger had suggested his young team’s moment had come. Averaging four goals per home league game, Wenger had every right to be optimistic coming into this match, but with ruthless efficiency, Chelsea put the Gunners firmly in their place. Here’s what the game revealed:

Best Defence

This was a meeting between the Premiership’s best defence and the best attack, but by the end of 90 minutes, it was a no-contest; Carlo Ancelotti’s outstanding start as Blues boss continues as Chelsea kept their ninth clean sheet in only fourteen games.

This first chalkboard almost sums the game up; Chelsea had 50 clearances compared to Arsenal’s 20. The Blues were more than comfortable letting Arsenal have the ball, passing it around the midfield and crossing it time and time again into their box, knowing they have the personnel to deal with anything the Gunners threw at them.

Another example of the match in general is this chalkboard, looking at tackles won by each team. Chelsea won the majority of their tackles in their own defensive third, whereas Arsenal won more of theirs in the middle third, as the visitors retreated in numbers, winning it back when their goal became under threat.

Size Matters

The disparity in the physical stature of both teams was clear for all to see yesterday. At times, Arsenal players challenged shoulder-to-shoulder for balls, and merely bounced off their Chelsea opponents.

A look at this keeper distribution chalkboard is revealing. Manuel Almunia has a mere 3 successful passes all game, all played inside his own defensive third. Every ball played to midfield or beyond was won by Chelsea.

Petr Cech, on the other hand, has the one-man-wrecking-ball known as Didier Drogba as a brilliant upfield outlet, who, more often than not, will win the ball, holding it up and bringing team-mates into play.

Eduardo’s No Van Persie

Early last week, it was announced that surgery should keep Robin Van Persie out till April. Arsenal have now played two games since his injury, and have not scored a goal. Eduardo, his current deputy, went into yesterday’s game having not scored in his previous eight games for Arsenal, and not only did he draw a blank yesterday, the Croatian did not even have a single shot at goal.

As this chalkboard shows, (comparing Van Persie’s passing in Arsenal’s last home game to Eduardo’s yesterday) Eduardo has a lot less mobility than the Dutchman, with practically all his passes in the final third or near the opponent’s box.

The fluid nature of Wenger’s new system means the lone striker needs to be able to drop deep and link up play, (known as a “false nine” ) allowing others to forge on forward. Eduardo, as a more conventional centre forward, just doesn’t give them that option.

Nicklas Bendtner’s return from injury could at least offer a more physical alternative, Theo Walcott would certainly offer pace and mobility, and surely there is a case that Andrei Arshavin’s craft and guile could be used the way Lionel Messi occasionally was for Barca last season.

Chelsea have now beaten every member of the “Big Four” already, and done so without conceding a goal. The rest of the league must be hoping the African Cup of Nations (with call-ups to Drogba, Essien, Mikel and Kalou) blights their progress, but from yesterday’s display, the signs are already ominous. Title to the Bridge, anyone?