The football match between Arsenal and Chelsea remained goalless at halftime, setting the stage for a tense second half. The period after the break saw numerous tactical adjustments and a flurry of cautions for both teams as they pushed for an opening goal.
Second Half Developments
The second half was marked by increased intensity, with both managers making strategic changes and officials issuing several bookings.
- 69th Minute: Arsenal made a double substitution, bringing on Havertz for Gyokeres and Trossard for Madueke, signaling a shift in their attacking approach.
- 68th Minute: Chelsea's Gusto received a caution for simulation after going down in the box.
- 65th Minute: Chelsea's Fernandez attempted a promising curling shot that, unfortunately for the Blues, sailed over the bar.
- 63rd Minute: Gusto, despite his earlier caution, remained active, earning a crucial corner for Chelsea off Hincapie.
- 60th Minute: Chelsea introduced fresh legs and a new tactical setup, with Estevao and Palmer replacing Hato and Delap. This move saw them shift their formation to a more attacking 4-2-3-1. Earlier in the minute, Gusto also received treatment for an injury.
- 56th Minute: Delap of Chelsea was booked for a foul on Arsenal's Madueke, reflecting the growing physicality of the match.
- 52nd Minute: Arsenal manager Arteta found himself in the referee's book, receiving a booking, reportedly for complaining about a decision.
- 47th Minute: Chelsea won an early corner in the second half, but it was missed by all players. A subsequent VAR check confirmed that there was no foul by Saliba on Joao Pedro, allowing play to continue.
The second half saw tactical adjustments and cautions for both teams, reflecting the heightened stakes as both sides searched for a breakthrough.
First Half Summary
The first half concluded with the scoreline still Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea. While Chelsea had been the more active side in terms of possession and attempts, neither team managed to produce significant attacking quality or clear-cut chances.
- 43rd Minute: Chelsea's Fofana registered a notable shot on goal, which was competently saved by Arsenal keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
- 34th Minute: Arsenal began to show signs of attacking intent, with Martinelli's shot being blocked, immediately followed by Gyokeres's shot also being thwarted.
- 26th Minute: Chelsea earned a corner, but Fernandez's subsequent shot from outside the area missed the target.
- 23rd Minute: Joao Pedro demonstrated strong individual play, successfully winning a free-kick against Saliba.
- 18th Minute: Hincapie's long-range shot was saved by Sanchez, leading to an Arsenal free-kick that was taken by Rice.
- 16th Minute: Madueke won an early corner for Arsenal, indicating their initial attacking efforts.
Chelsea had been the more active side, but neither team produced significant attacking quality, leaving the match goalless at the break.