Arsenal v Chelsea...the Gunners get pushed around

So the London derby between The Blues and the Gunners was rather one sided...for the club from Stamford Bridge. The final 3-0 scoreline was actually somewhat kind to the North Londoners. What struck me was the fact that Chelsea manhandled the Gunners. The way Drogba owned the Gunners was the best example of this and we do not even have Senderos to blame! Arsenal had no answer for the Ivory Coast international. He ran through and around the Arsenal defenders. What is frightening is that it appears that Drogba is once again motivated and that is dangerous for Chelsea opponents.

This match showed why I think Arsenal are going to be playing catch up with their London rivals. Two main reasons: First, Arsenal do not have the physical edge they once had when the likes of Vieira, Parlour, Gilberto, Edu, Adams to name a few. Now they have a collection of outstandingly talented players, but lack a certain physical edge. They do not have players such as Essein or Drogba who are incredibly physical players on the pitch. Second, Chelsea has the depth needed to win the Premiership - being able to bring players such as Malouda and Deco off the bench and leave the likes of Ballack and Kalou on the bench. Arsenal have better depth than the likes of Wigan or Fulham, but not teams such as Chelsea. Granted much of this is due to their limitless funds, but it is not as if Arsenal is a have not club.

If this game is any indication, Arsenal will and do have enough talent to remain part of the "big 4" but the chasm between the bottom of the big 4 and the top grows greater by the day. Come on Wenger go out and get some steel for this side!