Analysing Sead Kolasinac’s impressive debut for Arsenal against Chelsea

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Signed on a free transfer from Schalke, it would be fair to say that Arsenal’s signing of Sead Kolasinac has snuck under the radar for most Premier League fans. Introduced just after the half-hour mark at Wembley after Gary Cahill clattered Per Mertesacker, they may now have sat up and taken notice.

The left-back enjoyed a hugely impressive debut, getting on the scoresheet as his performance almost single-handedly turned the tie on its head with the help of a red card for Chelsea’s Pedro.

First of all, Kolasinac had to defend up against one of the Premier League’s most exciting wingers in Willian. The Brazilian was completely nullified by the power of the new arrival as he looked to shut down his runs forward at source. Having been a real threat in the first half, he was muted by Kolasinac.

Going forwards was where he caught the eye, with his strength and speed on the ball a clear and important part of his game. He bulldozed through the Chelsea midfield and defence and left them for dead, delivering balls into the box which the likes of Olivier Giroud relished.

Strong defensively and in attack, Kolasinac made the all important difference with his goal. An intelligent run in a crowded penalty area, he got enough on it to send the ball flying past a helpless Thibaut Courtois and into the bottom corner of the net to draw the score back level.

It may be too far to get carried away and believe that Kolasinac is a solution to all of Arsenal’s problems, but he showed the kind of mentality and strength that Arsenal have been lacking. His desire was evident and inspired the rest of the side around him. The thought of his strength alongside the skill of Alexis Sanchez on the left flank is one to leave right-backs having nightmares.