Draw A 'Fair' Result

Chelsea remained unchanged for the fourth successive Premiership match and Arsenal through bad form, suspensions and injury had to make changes that have all been very well documented.

It didn't take too long for Arsenal to get into their stride. A goal up inside eighty seconds set the tone for the Chelsea faithful behind the clock end goal to think of 'oh no, here we go again.' Carvalho was caught out of position as Reyes dinked in a soft header. JT was left stranded for cover as Henry (the scourge of all defences) first controlled the ball and then on his second touch drilled home to Cech's left from the edge of the area. A great for Arsenal a poor one for Chelsea. Of course a bad start for Chelsea would certainly see how well they would react under such circumstances. And react they did. After weathering the after goal Arsenal storm, Chelsea played their way back in and deservedly equalised from a King John powerful header. A shot from Lampard was saved at head height by the light man who conceded the corner. Swung in from the left, JT rose unopposed and his header went flying in. 1-1 and Chelsea were on top. The game ebbed and flowed chances created a both ends and it wasn't long before another goal came.

No doubt in my mind that Graham Poll was 'conned' by Piries as the Frenchman tried to weave his way through two Chelsea players. Makelele and Lampard. Piries went through the gap and was squashed and fell flat on his face. Poll gave it. A soft free-kick, but the ending was even softer. As the wall was lining up, it appeared Poll had said to Henry 'do you want it?' Henry said 'yes' Gudjohnsen tried in vain to warn those behind him at was going on and the next second the ball was in the Chelsea net with Cech still scrambling across his line. Henry wheeled away in truimph. Arsenal 2-1 up. With the exception of Robben who was subsequently booked. Chelsea accepted to decision and the goal like sportsmen, but I am sure the debate about this type of opportunity will rage on and on. Fair play to Henry he was given the opportunity and took it. I doubt JMs meticulous planning included this type of scenario.

Parity was to be restored about 25 seconds at the start of the second half. A free kick from Chelsea's left swung over high by Lampard, was knocked down at the back post by Gallas across the face of the goal and the ball looped up off Gudjohnsen's head and straight over the light man's outstretched arms before crossing the line and dropping down into the right hand corner. The game wasn't as attractive as it was in the first half. Both teams missed chances notably from Super Frank, unmarked with a free header, and from Robben who weaved his magic beating three Arsenal players before stabbing a shot which the light man turned round the post. Unfortunately a corner was not awarded. But the miss of the day came from Henry, six yards out and the goal at his mercy on a hat-trick, blasted high and handsome over the bar.

So it was. The game ended 2-2. Chelsea remain on top. Five points still ahead of Arsenal, four points ahead of Everton. A point gained rather than two points lost. Arsenal will be looking at that particular fact. And with a home game to come against Norwich, Chelsea look set to be top of the Premiership for Xmas.