Arsenal 0 - 2 Chelski

A controversial offside decision goes against the Gunners, and turns the tide as Chelski beat Arsenal 2-0 at Highbury. After a tenative first 20 minutes, the Gunners started to generate something on the attack, with Thierry Henry’s half-volley striking the right post. A few moments later, and a great pass by Freddie Ljungberg found Robin van Persie on the left, and the Dutchman drove it home to put Arsenal up 1-0. Well, for a few seconds anyway. While Thierry Henry was in a historically offside position, new rules indicate that if the player is not involved in the play, then the goal can stand. Well, the linesman didn’t interpret the rule that way, and the goal was taken off the board. That was the turning point of the match.

Five minutes from half-time, Arjen Robben beat Kolo Toure by a step, raced to meet an overhead pass, and made Sol Campbell look silly as he slammed a shot off the far post and in to give Chelski the lead at halftime.

It was just like watching Italy. With the one goal lead, Chelski put ten men behind the ball, and snuffed out every Arsenal attack. Thierry Henry was essentially neutralized, and Dennis Bergkamp and Robert Pires were ineffectual in their sub appearances. Joe Cole added salt to the wound as he beat Lauren to a loose ball on the break and curled a right footer past a diving Jens Lehmann to seal the points for the West London scum.

Twenty points behind the leaders before Christmas, no wins since November, not even any goals since November. Things are looking quite glum at Highbury as of late.

The Christmas period could really make or break Arsenal this year. Things kickoff on Monday in a Boxing Day face off away at Charlton. Then it’s Pompey at home on the 28th, Villa away on New Year’s Eve, and ManUre at Highbury on January 3rd. Twelve huge points that could mean the difference between Champions League football next season, or being out of Europe completely.

However, before all that, the kids get a run out against Doncaster in the Worthless Cup on Wednesday afternoon. Kickoff is @ 2:45 PM ET.