![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Hector-Bellerin-2.jpg?width=600)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Hector-Bellerin-2.jpg?width=600)
Arsenal have been one of the most active teams in the transfer window this season. Signing the likes of Nuno Tavares and Ben White, the new look Arsenal side looks promising. This new look Arsenal team recently took on the European champions Chelsea.
Given the lineups the teams put up during the start of the game, this pre-season game between the Gunners and ‘the Blues’ looked like a regular Premier League game. The game certainly started off in an incredible fashion as Arsenal dominated with some chances.
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But the attack failed to capitalize on the initial pressure they built. Chelsea certainly capitalized on Gunners’ failed chances. With the duo of Kai Havertz and Timo Werner, Chelsea took a decisive lead in the 25th minute.
While Chelsea continued to create fantastic opportunities, Arsenal stayed in the game through some excellent defending from the likes of debutant Ben White.
The Gunners even equalized the game in the 69th minute as defensive midfielder Granit Xhaka hit a perfect header from a pinpoint cross from Nicolas Pepe. With 21 minutes left in the game, this matchup between Arsenal and Chelsea was headed for a blockbuster finish.
READ MORE- ‘I Got Good Vibes’: Ben White Reveals How Mikel Arteta Convinced Him to Join Arsenal
Hector Bellerin mistake results in pre-season loss for Arsenal
Immediately after Xhaka’s goal, manager Mikel Arteta made a host of changes to his lineup. Bringing in the likes of Nuno Tavares, Sambi Lokonga and Hector Bellerin, Arteta shuffled the Gunners’ backline.
This rotation of the backline certainly did not work for the Gunners. While debutant Ben White came up with some crucial blocks, Bellerin simply wasn’t finding the rhythm in his passing and his struggles were visible.
Dreadful mistake from Hector Bellerin and Tammy Abraham scores to put Chelsea in front again.
Arsenal 1-2 Chelseapic.twitter.com/EFCxoyX6eW
— ArsenalVideo (@arsenal_video) August 1, 2021
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The Spaniard ultimately had an unforgettable mistake which was the game changer for Chelsea. Building out from the back, Nuno Tavares passed the ball to Bellerin. Bellerin controlled the ball and wanted to pass the ball to Xhaka.
But the Spaniard overhit the pass and the ball ended up with Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham. While Leno did try to close out the English striker, Abraham kept his calm and easily placed his shot to the net giving the lead to Chelsea.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Hector-Bellerin-1.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
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This goal was ultimately the difference between the two sides as ‘the Blues’ won the game 2-1. Bellerin, who lost his place in Arsenal’s starting lineup has been linked to a move away from the Emirates.
While there were reports that he was willing to fight for a place in the team, his recent brief performance against Chelsea won’t help his case. With rumors of a possible move to Inter in cards, do you think Arsenal will keep hold of the Spaniard?