No Kidding Around - these lads are alright

First up. Congratulations to Chelsea on beating Arsenal.

Chelsea weathered the onslaught and then hit back with clinical efficiency. Arsenal had more shots and chances on goal but in a recurring theme for them - scored only once despite dominating the first hour. Chelsea took their chances very well and made Arsenal pay for some space opening up at the back towards the end.

The first goal was a touch offside but the second was a typical set-piece by Chelsea - well executed. Add to that the 2 shots they crashed off the woodwork and you can claim Chelsea had fewer but better chances.

On the whole the entire Arsenal team played well - except Julio Baptista. The Brazilian needs to leave now - and take his banjo with him. There's bad, then there's Baptysmal. Neves Denilson and Abou Diaby were both immense. The pick of the plays from the former was a long raking 40 yard pass that found Jeremie Aliadiere in the opposing box. Diaby was tireless and he continues to grow into the next Gunner midfield general. As usual, the only regret for the Gunners was that their finishing was below par. Again.

Didier Drogba was arguably the best player on show; without him Chelsea were toothless for most of the game. At the back Ricardo Carvalho was excellent - it's very harsh to hold him solely accountable for Arsenal's brilliant opener through Theo Walcott. The rest of Chelsea were hardworking but unspectacular with the exceptions of the dire Lassana Diarra and the diabolical Jon Obi Mikel. The former should have walked earlier for a series of cynical fouls and the latter's trip on Kolo Toure was criminal - precipitating the mass brawl which seemed to involve everyone. No doubt clips of the foul will be wholly absent from scenes of the brawl and game - with several of Arsenal's players getting suspensions while Chelsea will get a small rap on the knuckles.

Well done Arsene's youth brigade - they played very well. Well done to Chelsea for holding on and nicking it.