James Tyler: Anyway, thanks for the early morning company! Your comments, jokes, questions and insight are the real stars of these chats.

James Tyler: A reasonable range of emotions on display. CFC was arguably as poor, yet slightly less poor than the hosts. Alas.

James Tyler: We might well be back on Monday for QPR -West Ham. And from there, sky's the limit really.

James Tyler: Find us on Twitter:
@JamesTylerESPN
@R_Ubha
@PCarrESPN

and our absentee bartender, @rogbennett

James Tyler: Right then. Thanks for joining us this morning. Early one, and disappointing for the Arsenal contingent. Nothing that some beers won't cure.

James Tyler: I wouldn't disagree, Ian.

James Tyler: Sorry, Arsenal fans. That was rather dreadful, in all honesty.

PCarrESPN: Arsenal couldn't final that last pass, completing 15 of 46 passes into the penalty area (33%). Chelsea completed 13 of 30 (43%).

James Tyler: Aye, but it was just as costly.

James Tyler: Agger's healthy, I'm told. Think he's starting, even.

James Tyler: Right, then. Our Boot Room must soon close. But it'll be back A LOT this year, along with the Boot Room blog. Irreverence and fun. The cornerstones of this sport. You know, besides the actual games.

James Tyler: 2-1 LFC. VINDICATION.

James Tyler: Some would say that winning games when playing so-so footy is the mark of a champion. I really hope that's not true.

James Tyler: Well, then. Olivier Giroud shows why he was beloved in Montpellier and the Blues steal another win despite being far from dominant/superior/perfect.

James Tyler: Wren, contracts at Chelsea mean little. Roman fires who he wants. But at least RDM can negotiate a larger severance.

James Tyler: True.

Ravi Ubha: Yes, to Koscielny.

James Tyler: (runs out to nearest field while it's light outside)

James Tyler: Being: Arsenal.

PCarrESPN: Arsenal has won only two of its last nine home league games vs Chelsea.

James Tyler: FT: Arsenal 1, Chelsea 2. Gunners haunted by their own failures around goal.

James Tyler: There's your lot. What dire stuff from the Gunners, who have reverted back to those disappointing ways.

PCarrESPN: Chelsea is the first visiting team to win three league games at Emirates Stadium.

James Tyler: We're in the 95th minute.

James Tyler: What rubbish from Giroud a minute ago, seriously. Did all the "hard stuff" well, fluffed the finish. Arguably an open-netter.

James Tyler: Fourth minute of added time. And Chelsea is dallying around with the ball in the Arsenal box. Blues corner.

James Tyler: You shouldn't trust him with signing Ligue 1 strikers, Wren.

James Tyler: YELLOW CARD FOR CHELSEA: Ramires comes in late and hard on Santi Cazorla. Naughty.

James Tyler: Oh, he's Being: Maligned, alright.

PCarrESPN: 1 of Giroud's 11 PL shots have been on goal...the deflection earlier in this game.

James Tyler: Lovely move down the left flank ends with Giroud carving out a bit of space with Cech closing in, only he fires into the side netting on his favored left foot.

James Tyler: Good lord. That was, quite possibly, IT.

James Tyler: GIROUD MISSES FROM CLOSE RANGE!

James Tyler: Matt Damon has to play a role in this. Maybe he could Bergkamp it.

Ravi Ubha: Again!

James Tyler: Four minutes of added time.

James Tyler: Arsenal chasing the possession without much to show for it. Blues looking far too comfortable.

PCarrESPN: SPI unofficially projects Chelsea's undefeated chances at "Not-in-a-million-years".

James Tyler: Climbs to 0.005%. Not happening.

James Tyler: Chance for Arsenal! Santi Cazorla comes close to an equalizer. Cut-back pass finds him unmarked at the top of the box. He leans back a bit too much and skies it over the bar.

James Tyler: Looks set to be a smug tube ride back to West London for Chelsea fans.

James Tyler: Victor Moses is fouled by Arteta just inside the Arsenal half. Weak response from the Gunners since going a goal down for the second time today.

James Tyler: Arsenal unable to get sustained possession and within 40 yards of Chelsea's net.

James Tyler: Chelsea killing the ball down in the right corner. Moses thinks he's won a throw-in but hasn't. Things are happening, just not very exciting things.

James Tyler: Walcott's low cross causes mild panic for John Terry. He does enough to muffle it back to Cech.

Ravi Ubha: TV stat: If Chelsea wins, it will become the first visiting team to win three games at the Emirates.

James Tyler: Five minutes left for Arsenal to find redemption.

James Tyler: Half-chance for Chelsea as Moses squeezes into the area but fires over the bar from 18 yards.

James Tyler: I've never purchased a football shirt off an ice cream truck, Ian, but I'd bet that this would be the one I'd find on sale while browsing the ice cream selection.

PCarrESPN: Mata hasn't finished any of his 8 starts for Chelsea this season.

James Tyler: Mata with a quiet day overall yet created both goals. So there's that.

James Tyler: SUB FOR CHELSEA: Juan Mata off, Ryan Bertrand on.

James Tyler: It is. Something to do with the iconic socks of their manager from the 1920s/30s. Not making this up.

James Tyler: Set piece is floated in, Gervinho blocks Cech from an offside position and Koscielny, I think, nods it against the post.

James Tyler: HITS THE POST!

James Tyler: Ramires with a brainless foul deep in CFC territory. Free kick on the left flank.

Ravi Ubha: Good one.

James Tyler: No more comedy defending from Sideshow David today, then.

James Tyler: SUB FOR CHELSEA: Gary Cahill on for David Luiz.

Ravi Ubha: Giroud and Kos butt faces...Not the latter's day.

James Tyler: He thumps it directly into the wall. And Laurent Koscielny might now have a broken face. He's down. Ouch.

James Tyler: 10 minutes left. Juan Mata hoping to make something happen.

James Tyler: Free kick for Chelsea on the edge of the box. Plenty of Blues lurking over the ball.

Ravi Ubha: Not a bad shout.

Ravi Ubha: He came back midweek as a sub vs. Wolves in the League Cup.

James Tyler: 12 minutes left... can Arsenal locate an equalizer?

James Tyler: Gibbs gives a lucky fan a souvenir. Fires into the heavens from 30-odd yards.

James Tyler: Sorry, Larry, it doesn't. But the Boot Room will be open plenty more times this season. Details on ESPNFC.com as the week goes on.

James Tyler: Really struggling to think of MOTM candidates.

James Tyler: Corner taken short this time. Intended for John Terry at the far post but he doesn't get there. Moses pings the follow-up over the bar.

James Tyler: Doesn't beat Giroud at the near post.

James Tyler: Moses' first contribution is to win a corner for Chelsea.

James Tyler: Um... yay? Seriously, Rodgers has a 14-man squad and while I take heart from his youth policy and rotation, I hope it works out. Suso is "the future" while Sahin should prove valuable all season long. Hopefully there's enough money to buy him next summer.

James Tyler: Just over 15 mins left.

James Tyler: Arsenal corner is cleared.

Ravi Ubha: Moses will be trouble for Arsenal with more space free in Arsenal's half.

James Tyler: Better buy her flowers, Jomentum. Or brunch. Or both.

James Tyler: SUB FOR CHELSEA: Oscar off, Victor Moses on.

James Tyler: Stunning stop. Simply stunning.

James Tyler: Giroud's shot from inside the box takes a wicked deflection but Cech regroups, rearranges his center of gravity and somehow palms it behind for a corner.

Ravi Ubha: Now THAT was a great save.

James Tyler: WHAT A SAVE BY PETR CECH!

Ravi Ubha: Where was the Arsenal man making the run into the box after Giroud cleverly opened up space?

James Tyler: Walcott shoots from range. It's blocked.

James Tyler: It's been fun, Ravi, sure. But not the kind of enduring classic we'll remember for years to come. More like a Michael Bay film than a PT Anderson. Engaging at the time yet utterly forgettable.

Ravi Ubha: This has been a good game to watch, IMO

James Tyler: Blues pressure in possession. Hazard can't find Torres at the edge of the box but Chelsea immediately wins it back.

James Tyler: The Ivorian has incriminating Polaroids?

James Tyler: Sloppy, end to end stuff.

PCarrESPN: has NOT...

James Tyler: Torres again down the right flank. He's comfortably tackle by Gibbs, who immediately gives the ball away to Oscar. Blues can't capitalize and the Gunners regroup.

PCarrESPN: Podolski has played the full 90 in any of his seven Arsenal appearances.

James Tyler: A little over 20 minutes left.

James Tyler: Torres floats in a cross from the right. Gunners clear.

James Tyler: No, Brian. I just think Wenger has very predictable sub options.

James Tyler: Chelsea can't string three passes together at the moment. All the action at the Blues' end. Only Gibbs was kind enough to overhit his left-flank cross.

James Tyler: Super Theo is here to save the day!

Ravi Ubha: Yeah, hard to believe, eh?

James Tyler: Don't you feel better, Gunners fans?

James Tyler: SUBS FOR ARSENAL: Ramsey and Podolski off, Giroud and Walcott in.

James Tyler: Luiz does well to interrupt a left-flank cross. Dangerous, mind you as it could have gone in. Corner, Arsenal.

Ravi Ubha: Szczesny injured.

Ravi Ubha: Bad defending by Arsenal has led to two goals, Ian. Both times a FK conceded by Vermaelen, both times Koscielny ultimately to blame. Gervinho with a great finish to level at 1-1. Arsenal, on the balance of play, probably deserve better.

James Tyler: Chelsea counter-attack via Torres, but the Blues take an eternity to get off a shot. Arsenal defenders gallop back in numbers and Oscar's shot is blocked back to Mannone. Danger dissipates.

James Tyler: 28 minutes left.

James Tyler: Would give the FA far too much work to do, Jay Jay. Those suits need their three-hour lunches!

James Tyler: Decent clearing header by Ivanovic.

James Tyler: Nice dive by Jenkinson to contrive a free kick for Arsenal. On the edge of the box and wide right.

Ravi Ubha: Two giveaways in succession by Ramsey. Was bailed out by Arteta.

James Tyler: Terry, I mean. I think the home fans are holding plenty of frustration for their Welsh midfielder.

James Tyler: Ramsey's through-ball cut out by Terry. Arsenal fans not bothering to boo him any more.

James Tyler: #BeingLiverpool

James Tyler: LFC early team news:
RT @natefc: First start for Wisdom, and a 17- and 18-year old in the front three.

James Tyler: Well cleared, FOR ONCE.

James Tyler: Free kick for Chelsea on the left flank.

James Tyler: I'll come down on the side of "very, very nice."

James Tyler: Or unbelievable?

James Tyler: Would you be OK with incredible, Ravi?

James Tyler: Cross floated in from the left and Podolski outleaps Ramires (who doesn't leap at all). Cech sprawls to his left to keep it out of the top corner. Lovely stuff all round.

Ravi Ubha: Well, wouldn't say 'wondrous.' Good.

James Tyler: Chance for Arsenal! Podolski's header is well saved by Cech.

James Tyler: Well, Mertesacker's on the bench, for one. Plus they've played a few teams not exactly known for their firepower. And yes, I include LFC in that analysis. Only converted maybe 9% of their shots last season. Worst in the league, I believe.

Ravi Ubha: Anyone who thought they were 'cured' after three games was really jumping on the bandwagon.

James Tyler: Torres looks to be feigning injury in the corner. Wait, no, he's fine. Just embarrassed at losing possession.

Ravi Ubha: Arsenal's goal scorers in that game: RVP (3), Walcott, Santos. None on the pitch.

James Tyler: Just over half an hour to go.

James Tyler: Gunners offside in the left corner.

PCarrESPN: Might as well continue the comparison...Chelsea led Arsenal 2-1 at Stamford Bridge last year.

James Tyler: How will the Gunners respond? Fortitude? Capitulation?

James Tyler: An absolute nothing goal. Opportunistic. Chelsea hardly value for this lead, to be honest. But it's a continuation of Roberto Di Matteo's most charmed of lives.

Ravi Ubha: Looked to me that Torres wasn't really going anywhere on that foul (rare give away by Arteta). So on both goals, FK conceded by Ver and Kos was the final man who was the problem.

James Tyler: Maybe a faint glance, but whatever it was, Mata's curled set piece eludes Mannone. WELL, THEN.

James Tyler: Mata will claim it but the free-kick swings in and Kos seems to knee it past Mannone.

James Tyler: GOAL FOR CHELSEA! KOSCIELNY OWN GOAL!

James Tyler: Nah, Jan. Was cold and calculated.

PCarrESPN: Four yellows today, matching Atkinson's average entering the game. He led PL with 16 yellows in first four games.

James Tyler: YELLOW CARD, ARSENAL: Cynical tackle by Vermaelen on Torres to neutralize the Blues' counter-attack.

James Tyler: Podolski's drifting into the middle and getting more of the ball but it's given away in the Chelsea half.

James Tyler: Ivanovic shoves Cazorla to the ground. Free-kick Arsenal. The Gunners tried to take it quickly but Atkinson's not ready.

James Tyler: I'll say yes. OBVIOUSLY. Thinking first win comes today and vindication begins.

Ravi Ubha: Wow. Luiz was absolutely lost during that passage of play. Like a lost puppy.

James Tyler: Chance for Arsenal! Gibbs plays Podolski in down the left, his low cross is cleared straight to Cazorla but the Spaniard slices his shot wide from 15 yards!

James Tyler: I'm a Liverpool fan, Oscar. And I know dives thanks to Luis Suarez' superb renditions every now and then.

Ravi Ubha: Cech's kicking this season has not been great at all...

James Tyler: Arsenal attack but Oxlade-Chamberlain slashes a shot comically wide of goal.

James Tyler: YELLOW CARD FOR CHELSEA: Luiz,

Ravi Ubha: Two in a row for Chelsea after Oscar last week.

James Tyler: Chelsea corner ends, weirdly, with Luiz getting booked for a dive. And what a dive it was. Tries to trick Atkinson into a PK decision.

James Tyler: Gibbs with a slick pass to play Podolski into the box, but David Luiz tidies up.

James Tyler: Arsenal in possession now.

Ravi Ubha: That's the position where Wenger sees him in the future, in the center.

James Tyler: Right, then. Second half.

James Tyler: He's certainly giving Wenger a decision to make when Bacary comes back.

James Tyler: More a reflection on Wales, no?

James Tyler: (Standing ovation)

James Tyler: A perfectly serviceable midfielder, but not "the answer."

James Tyler: Put this way, Kevin: if Ramsey's the answer, the wrong question is being asked.

PCarrESPN: *Takes a bow*

James Tyler: Watch the replay, RD.

James Tyler: Indeed, Tom. There was things that happened.

James Tyler: Wait, are Arsenal fans pinning their midfield hopes on Wilshere being fit and healthy?

James Tyler: Nothing major. Looked like a muscle pull, if anything.

Ravi Ubha: Danny Man, when Wilshere is back fit, Ramsey won't be playing much.

James Tyler: Oscar: I never thought it was a PK last weekend, to be honest.

PCarrESPN: Gervinho first half // Had team-low thirteen touches // Who cares? Scored a goal.

James Tyler: Yes, but he plays for Germany.

James Tyler: I think LFC wanted Sturridge on loan this summer. Would have to say he's on the Blues' bubble. If a proper bid comes in, I wouldn't be surprised if he leaves.

James Tyler: I think Atkinson made the right call. The fact that a hundred replays are needed to divine any kind of contact kinda renders the contact irrelevant, to me.

Ravi Ubha: Showing the Chelsea goal again. Koscielny was actually marking Torres better than the Ox on Luiz and Jenkinson on Terry.

James Tyler: I'm still in shock that Gervinho scored a goal. And it was intentional, too!

James Tyler: That's good poetry right there. Bravo, Jan!

Ravi Ubha: Ben Arfa and M'Vila acted ridiculously at the Euros. What, have they been capped 100 times or something?

James Tyler: A good holding midfielder is hard to find, Larry.

James Tyler: I'll always publish always sunny references.

PCarrESPN: At half, Chelsea has completed more passes (241-211), but Arsenal has completed almost twice as many in attacking third (65-36).

James Tyler: Right, then. Thoughts on first half? In haiku form or otherwise.

Ravi Ubha: Spending 35 million on him was ridiculous, as was 50 million on Torres.

Ravi Ubha: Oh, but he brings that German steel...

James Tyler: Injured himself taking a shot, Marvin. Some people will never learn. You're supposed to PASS the ball into the net, not hit it with force!

James Tyler: HALF TIME: Arsenal 1, Chelsea 1. #MalignedStrikersDay as Gervinho stylishly canceled out Torres' opener.

Ravi Ubha: WH didn't pay 35 million for him, Orr.

James Tyler: Chance for Chelsea! Torres with an acute bit of play inside the box, shoots into the side netting.

Ravi Ubha: Hurry up, Jack.

James Tyler: Answer this, Macca!

James Tyler: Oh, Deco. He was a lovely player.

James Tyler: Right then. Send us your questions for Darke & Macca. They're ready. #FCbootroom

James Tyler: SUMMON THE LAMPARD

James Tyler: Chance for Chelsea! Something from nothing! Oscar's run isn't closed down by Vermaelen and the Brazilian's low shot from 25 yards skids just past the post.

Ravi Ubha: I wonder if we'll look back at the Torres miss as a turning point.

James Tyler: Martin Atkinson wrecks Arsenal's momentum by calling a foul deep in CFC territory. Well, then.

James Tyler: Three minutes of added time.

James Tyler: It's "all" Arsenal now. Jenkinson has acres of space down the right. His low cross for Podolski is hammered downfield. Blues hanging on for half-time, perhaps.

James Tyler: Really was a sexy pivot by Gervinho. Would not have looked out of place on Dancing With The Stars. Smooth.

Ravi Ubha: Mark my words: He will score 10 league goals for the Hammers this season.

PCarrESPN: Four goals in four club games for Gervinho. Before that he hadn't scored since December.

James Tyler: More chances for Arsenal... Ramsey reaches Jenkinson's low cross but it's turned out for another Gunners corner.

James Tyler: Nice finish by Gervinho. I'm stunned. Absolutely stunned. Normally, that would have ended up in Row ZZ.

James Tyler: Sharp turn and shot from 12 yards out. Low cross from the right and Trres can't close down the Ivorian fast enough.

PCarrESPN: PUT UP ANOTHER POLL!

James Tyler: GOAL FOR ARSENAL! GERVINHO!

Ravi Ubha: And James will tell you why...

Ravi Ubha: LOL.

James Tyler: Or share them on Twitter via #FCbootroom

James Tyler: Four minutes to half time. If you've got questions for Darke & Macca to answer, now's the time to send them along. Can be about this game or the Prem in general.

Ravi Ubha: Larry, he has a bright future, but no, he shouldn't be starting now.

James Tyler: Ramsey is jogging gingerly to the sideline for another dose of magic spray.

PCarrESPN: Mikel's 166 PL appearances w/o a goal are most ever by a midfielder.

James Tyler: (dusts off VHS tape)

James Tyler: Chance for Arsenal! Well, half-chance. Cazorla's shot is blocked by Mikel. Ball comes to Oxlade-Chamberlain on the right but his cross ends up floating over the bar. Ramsey's a bit hobbled in midfield following a zesty challenge by Torres.

Ravi Ubha: Maybe end of season we'll see him take a PK, as Makelele did all those years ago.

Ravi Ubha: Never in the league. Two in the FA Cup.

James Tyler: Ravi: I think Arteta's settling into a Pirlo-esque deep playmaker role. Only he needs to be surrounded by better midfielders.

James Tyler: YELLOW CARD FOR CHELSEA: Oscar gets himself in the book after a string of fouls. Kicks Arteta in the back of the leg. Easy call.

Ravi Ubha: Arteta has done a great job at holding mid, but can't help but feel he's being wasted there. He and Cazorla should be teaming higher up the pitch. That's where not buying a holding mid to replace Song hurts. Think Arteta and Cazorla, instead of Ramsey/Diaby and Cazorla.

James Tyler: Hazard shrugs off Gibbs' rugby tackle and the Blues break down a wide-open left flank. The Belgian sprints to the touchline but his cross is blocked out for a throw-in. Mikel then has a shot from distance. Guess where it ended up?

Ravi Ubha: And a W, Pierce.

James Tyler: Send in your questions! Ian Darke and Macca will answer them during the half-time break. #FCbootroom

PCarrESPN: This season, Diaby leads Arsenal with 14 turnovers. Ramsey 4th with 10.

James Tyler: Just about 10 minutes to half-time... Atkinson with more work to do as a retaliatory foul by the Blues goes unpunished.

James Tyler: YELLOW CARD FOR ARSENAL: Aaron Ramsey slides in late on Oscar from the side. A Stoke-esque challenge. No complaints.

Ravi Ubha: I'm not sure who concedes possession more: Ramsey or Diaby.

PCarrESPN: Arsenal trailed 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in 35th minute last season...won 5-3.

James Tyler: Koscielny misses his header from the set-piece, Chelsea fails to clear. Ball comes to Oxlade-Chamberlain on the right but his menacing cross is caught by Cech.

James Tyler: Quick free-kick for Arsenal on the left. Gervinho dribbles his way into trouble but does win a corner.

James Tyler: Mertesacker is available, MonsieurBobo, albeit looking rather sanguine on the bench.

Ravi Ubha: Disagree. He made one bad decision -- clearing to a City player after his goal. He played very well overall.

PCarrESPN: Here it is again, in case you missed it: Chelsea is unbeaten (17-0-4) in 21 straight games reffed by Atkinson.

James Tyler: EXCEPT if you're Alex. That man could crack a free-kick from distance.

James Tyler: Few things more funny than center backs fancying themselves shots from 30+ yards.

Ravi Ubha: Silly, silly shot from distance from Vermaelen. He'll score 1 in 100 of those.

James Tyler: Jenkinson and Oxlade-Chamberlain combine down the right. Ball's worked back infield as far as Vermaelen, and the Belgian's long-range shot is hilariously off-target. Nice try, Thomas.

PCarrESPN: However, Arsenal has completed 42 passes in attacking third, to Chelsea's 17.

PCarrESPN: Very even game from a passing angle. Chelsea with 5 more passes completed at a slightly higher clip (82% to 79%).

James Tyler: 30 mins gone at the Emirates. Not the most compelling game for the purists, but plenty of talking points. Neither side dominant nor entirely competent in possession. Nicely balanced since Torres' goal.

James Tyler: #BlameTheGroundskeeper

James Tyler: Lovely play by Juan Mata at the other end to play Torres through on goal though El Nino is offside.

James Tyler: Chance for Arsenal! Gervinho with a free header at the back post thanks to Ashley Cole's confusion. But the Ivorian heads it across goal -- surely not intentional -- and Terry cushions it back to Cech.

James Tyler: Even more hilarious, really, Pierce.

James Tyler: Free kick, Arsenal. Arteta bangs it in but David Luiz heads it out for a throw-in.

James Tyler: I thought the Cazorla PK shout was far more valid, agree.

Ravi Ubha: All three of Arsenal's conceded goals this season have come from balls lofted into the box. More work for Bouldy.

James Tyler: David Luiz fouls Gervinho in the Chelsea half to slow a Gunners break.

James Tyler: Questions for Darke and Macca to answer at half-time? Drop them in: #FCbootroom

James Tyler: Torres slipped on the ball, RD. Sorry to be the one to tell you this.

Ravi Ubha: Torres with a definite spring in his step, trying to harangue in midfield.

James Tyler: 25 mins gone. Plenty of action since Torres' goal. Yes. Torres scored a goal.

James Tyler: Now David Luiz is getting some medical attention on the sideline.

James Tyler: Corner doesn't even make it into the box; went out of play as it was curling in.

James Tyler: Cazorla wins a corner for Arsenal. Gunners have been woken from their early game slumber by El Nino's goal.

Ravi Ubha: Replays inconclusive on the Torres incident. Would like to get another look.

PCarrESPN: Entering today, Atkinson's given 3 penalties in 4 matches this season

James Tyler: Cazorla begs for a foul in the Chelsea box that's not given. Then Torres is onside at the other end, one-on-one with Mannone, but he can't get off a clean shot thanks to Koscielny's tackle from behind. Pleads for a PK of his own but also not given.

James Tyler: It's all happening now!

Ravi Ubha: But that was a foolish foul from Vermaelen. He came charging out -- which he can do -- and gave away a needless FK. Careless.

James Tyler: How will this inspire the Gunners? Will this inspire the Gunners?

James Tyler: Could easily have been called, Jonah. Koscielny had his back turned to the ball given Torres' grabby hands on the shirt, yet I'm guessing the ref allowed it as everyone was grabbing shirts.

Ravi Ubha: To be fair to Koscielny, it was a great goal -- and he was so worried about Torres heading the ball that he wasn't tight enough on him in the lower half.

James Tyler: ZONAL MARKING

PCarrESPN: Torres with his first goal in four career game at Emirates.

James Tyler: Mata's far post cross finds Torres poorly marked by Koscielny, and the Spaniard gets a volley off that beats Mannone at the near post.

James Tyler: (throws away early poll question)

James Tyler: Simple stuff! Fernando Torres!

James Tyler: GOAL FOR CHELSEA!!!!

James Tyler: Mata to loft it in...

James Tyler: Vermaelen's foul gives Chelsea another free-kick. Some 35 yards out on the right side.

James Tyler: Very sloppy game thus far.

James Tyler: First touch for Oxlade-Chamberlain inside the box following a smart pass by Gervinho. Ox tries to cross it to Podolski at the back post but it doesn't get there.

James Tyler: Gervinho's upended at the edge of the box by Terry/Cole -- BOOOOOOOO -- but ref calls no foul. Presumably because the Ivorian's touch on the ball was so heavy that it was back with Petr Cech before he'd even been fouled.

Ravi Ubha: The Ox on the right, Ramsey moves into the center.

James Tyler: SUB FOR ARSENAL: Diaby off, Oxlade-Chamberlain on.

James Tyler: Ivanovic has a good run down the right flank and wallops in a decent low cross. Gunners clear.

James Tyler: The lesson here, folks: never take shots on goal. Clearly bad for your health.

James Tyler: And Diaby does look injured. Oxlade-Chamberlain is ready to enter the fray.

James Tyler: Another Arsenal foul. Such a dirty team, clearly. Gunners a little frustrated at getting so little of the ball this early.

James Tyler: Or were, in Patrick's case.

James Tyler: ... are both midfielders for Arsenal, Brian?

PCarrESPN: Baines leads the league with 24 chances created this season. Cazorla is second with 20.

James Tyler: Torres takes a tumble near the Arsenal box but no foul. The Spaniard looking particularly invisible thus far.

Ravi Ubha: The best of what's available, I suppose.

James Tyler: Been grand for them so far this season, Ravi, I think. Now that Song is in Barca and Frimpong is still coming back from injury.

Ravi Ubha: Was so sloppy last week.

Ravi Ubha: Not so sure, JT. He's never delivered, even when healthy.

James Tyler: Gunners fans reach for the prayer beads. He should shake it off. But an injured Diaby would be bad news.

James Tyler: Chance for Arsenal! Diaby strides up the middle and fires from 20+ yards as the Chelsea defense backs off. Firm strike right at Cech. Diaby then pulls up lame after his shot.

James Tyler: 12 minutes gone.

James Tyler: He's the X FACTOR, Diego.

Ravi Ubha: Turns 28 in late Dec.

James Tyler: Ivanovic gets little praise, yet is a solid defender and can score from a set piece.

James Tyler: Looks so stern by default. Good player though, Bob.

Ravi Ubha: Glad Gervinho laid it off. Otherwise it was Row Z.

James Tyler: No -- just from Eastern Europe.

James Tyler: Gervinho bears down on Ashley Cole... lays it infield for Cazorla but the Spaniard's shot sails comfortably over the bar.

James Tyler: There is that, I suppose.

James Tyler: Chelsea looks far more menacing and mean in the opening 9 minutes. What does it all mean?

James Tyler: More sharp Blues passing in the Arsenal half ends with Koscielny getting a foot in on Torres.

PCarrESPN: Chelsea is unbeaten (17-0-4) in 21 straight games reffed by Atkinson.

PCarrESPN: Keep an eye on referee Martin Atkinson. He leads all PL refs with 16 yellows this season.

James Tyler: Hazard, Oscar and Mata combine well in midfield, but Mata's deep cross from the right wing is overhit. Goal kick, Gunners.

Ravi Ubha: And Ryan Bertrand.

James Tyler: Blasphemy. LEIGHTON BAINES.

Ravi Ubha: All a bit ragged at the moment.

James Tyler: Long ball from Terry aimed at Hazard is dealt with comfortably.

James Tyler: Ashley Cole also getting the boo treatment.

James Tyler: Ramsey shoots from the right side of the box. Awful shot. Gervinho-esque. Miles wide.

Ravi Ubha: I have heavily criticized Jenkinson in the past, but I'll be the first to admit he's having a very good season. His crosses are usually spot on.

James Tyler: Terry hoofs a right-flank cross clear. Throw-in for Arsenal on the right flank. First real spell of possession.

James Tyler: Cazorla's first pass ends up on a Chelsea boot. Quick counter-attack down the right with Torres but his low cross skates right across the face of goal. No harm.

Ravi Ubha: Mannone was to blame last week on City's goal, and Szczesny erred vs. Southampton. The only goals Arsenal have allowed in the league.

Ravi Ubha: 88 percent position -- after 2 mins. LOL.

James Tyler: Luiz, of all people, hits it. Easy save for Mannone.

PCarrESPN: Chelsea has 17 of the first 20 touches. Domination!

James Tyler: Lovely mazy run by Hazard, skipping past a couple of tackles in the Arsenal half. Fouled by Abou Diaby, and CFC has a free-kick some 30 yards out from goal.

James Tyler: Terry getting plenty of heady boos when in possession.

Ravi Ubha: Boos when the ball goes to Terry and Cole.

James Tyler: #QualityAnalysis

James Tyler: First foul of the morning. If you had 25 seconds in the sweepstakes, you're a winner.

James Tyler: We're off at the Emirates! #FCbootroom

James Tyler: The X-Factor for Chelsea today: Ramires. So dynamic moving forward yet he's being asked to play a more moderate midfield role these days. Must defend more. Must play smarter and curb his natural attacking instincts.

Ravi Ubha: At least Giroud got off the mark vs. Coventry.

PCarrESPN: Giroud hasn't put any of his nine shots on target.

Ravi Ubha: Gervinho has a real annoying tendency of shooting near post almost every time.

James Tyler: 2 for 12! Still better than Luis Suarez... BUT STILL.

PCarrESPN: 2 of Gervinho's 12 shots this season have been on target...both were goals.

James Tyler: Less than 5 minutes to kick-off....

James Tyler: And keep sending your questions and queries for Ian Darke and Macca: #FCbootroom

Ravi Ubha: Yes, four in three league games for Fletch, and Sunderland entertains Wigan. Everton at home to Southampton...so you'd figure some goals for the Toffees.

James Tyler: Score predictions, folks?

Ravi Ubha: If he was 20, Gervinho's performance last week would have been a positive. But come on, he's in his mid-20s.

James Tyler: Well, I agree. But he tries to be. Took maybe 2,617 off-target shots last weekend.

Ravi Ubha: I hope Torres doesn't score today, for one reason. I dropped him from my fantasy team. Actually, dropped him and Defoe. Inserted S. Fletcher and Jelavic.

James Tyler: That said, if you've seen that movie, you remember the kind of horrific stuff happening on screen every time you hear that song.

James Tyler: I love that they use the "Requiem for a Dream" track as pre-game hype music at the Emirates.

Ravi Ubha: Sounds more entertaining than mine!

James Tyler: I'll take 2-2. Think both teams will score early, settle down, late goal panic in the second half but honors shared.

Ravi Ubha: For the record, Qasim, I'm going with 1-1.
JT, you?

James Tyler: Lineups again:

#AFC: Mannone, Jenkinson, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Arteta, Diaby, Cazorla, Ramsey, Gervinho, Podolski.
Subs: #afc: Mertesacker, Santos, Giroud, Walcott, Ox, Djourou, Martinez.

#CFC: Cech, Ivanovic, Cole, Terry, Luiz, Ramires, Mata, Oscar, Hazard, Mikel, Torres.
Subs: #cfc: Romeu Lampard Moses Turnbull Cahill Azpilicueta Bertrand

Ravi Ubha: Pierce, if Terry hadn't started, I'm sure Cech would have been given the armband.

James Tyler: Having your team captain on trial is generally bad for the brand. That said, he's their best defender, therefore they take the rough with the smooth. The very rough reputation with the generally smooth defending.

James Tyler: Pierce, have you seen the news this week?

PCarrESPN: I'm coming out swinging.

Ravi Ubha: Surprised that most of you are picking, 'Arsenal in a romp.' Really?

James Tyler: A formidable opening salvo.

James Tyler: Morning, Statsie!

PCarrESPN: For what it's worth, no Chelsea defender has won more aerial duels than Terry's 13, and his pct of duels won is 81%, highest on the team.

Ravi Ubha: I agree about what you said earlier, James. He probably still is Chelsea's best defender. But there's no debate about this: He's the team leader. RDM has to play his best side, and Terry should be in the lineup.

James Tyler: What do you think, Ravi?

James Tyler: That said, I'm sure there's a bit of locker room politicking in play. Keep Terry happy. Keep squad focused. Minimize extra drama.

James Tyler: I'd like to think it's a simple case of RDM realizing that Terry is his best defender, regardless of the obvious baggage.

James Tyler: Want your questions to be answered by a higher power? Send 'em in with the tag #FCbootroom in chat or on Twitter and the best will be answered by Ian Darke and Macca at half-time during the live Arsenal v. Chelsea broadcast.

Ravi Ubha: Arsenal are unbeaten in three against Chelsea -- after losing five in a row.

James Tyler: I think a lot of people are unconvinced about the defensive workrate of guys like Oscar, Hazard, etc. So much potency in the attacking third yet perhaps susceptible to being lazy when the Blues are not in possession/on defense. So that will be crucial. Discipline.

James Tyler: He's certainly still brave, Orr. And I'd like there to be a slight difference from his name compared to, say, mine.

James Tyler: Re: Terry...

Ravi Ubha: They need depth in both positions. John Obi Mikel is so purely one dimensional. I'd like to see Ramires in that spot. He might need to be told to stay put more, but he can indeed offer more than Mikel.

James Tyler: What do you all think about John Terry starting? Big deal or business as usual?

James Tyler: There's also concern about that backline. The Blues' midfield corps has been making a habit of getting too swept up in attack and leaving gaps for opponents to punish. The Reading game was a good example despite that they ended up winning.

James Tyler: David, I think it's because we've seen this from the Blues before. Strong starts to the season, tons of goals and then difficulty against the league's better sides. Plus Roberto Di Matteo is underrated as a manager. Not to mention everyone's secretly waiting for the other shoe to drop, aka Roman Abramovich just goes and fires him for someone else.

James Tyler: That too, Josh. Good point. More mobility.

Ravi Ubha: Patrick, he's getting up there, so he needs to be phased out. He'll be happier -- after Chelsea won the Champions League. But also there's Champions League next week.

James Tyler: Part of RDM/s New World Order, Patrick.

Ravi Ubha: Keep an eye on the performances of Gervinho and Diaby today. They were both poor last week. Diaby routinely gave away possession and Gervinho took pleasure in shooting into the stands.

James Tyler: Sean: I think the concerns about Mertesacker's lack of pace (at least in comparison to Kos/Verma) is valid, especially against a team with such speed in attack/on the counter.

Ravi Ubha: Garry, Mertesacker was outstanding last week vs. City, so it's a bit of a surprise. But I guess Arsene is wary of the threat of Chelsea's speedy midfielders and wants Vermaelen and Koscielny in there. Koscielny had a great season in 2011/2012.

James Tyler: Joe, read Miguel Delaney's piece for his ideas. Some good quotes from Wenger, too.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story/_/id/1174093/miguel-delaney:-wenger's-balancing-act-at-arsenal?cc=5901

James Tyler: Send your questions for Darke and Macca to answer at half-time... use the tag #FCbootroom in chat or on Twitter.

Ravi Ubha: Then of course there's Terry receiving a four-match ban this week.

James Tyler: Fellaini could solve world hunger, Mason. He's that prolific and useful.

Ravi Ubha: A fair few of Chelsea's players incurred the wrath of neutrals last week vs. Stoke. Ivanovic for diving, Oscar for diving, and Luiz for his horrible challenge on Jon Walters.

Ravi Ubha: Zachary, stick Torres in the lineup for 10 straight games and he'll score goals.

Ravi Ubha: Sean, I actually see this one being tight - not another 5-3, as we had when Arsenal visited Stamford Bridge last season. This time the Gunners are at home.

James Tyler: LINEUPS:

#AFC: Mannone, Jenkinson, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Arteta, Diaby, Cazorla, Ramsey, Gervinho, Podolski.
Subs: #afc: Mertesacker, Santos, Giroud, Walcott, Ox, Djourou, Martinez.

#CFC: Cech, Ivanovic, Cole, Terry, Luiz, Ramires, Mata, Oscar, Hazard, Mikel, Torres.
Subs: #cfc: Romeu Lampard Moses Turnbull Cahill Azpilicueta Bertrand

James Tyler: Or you can send using the hashtag #FCbootroom on Twitter.

Ravi Ubha: Lineups coming up shortly.

James Tyler: What's a Boot Room? Well, for starters, it's our live chat. It's also a place for your questions... send in your queries and the lads at the Emirates -- Ian Darke and Macca -- will answer the best of them at half time.

James Tyler: Welcome to the ESPNFC Boot Room!

James Tyler: Morning, folks!

Ravi Ubha: It's also a battle between two undefeated clubs in the Premier League. Chelsea sit top and Arsenal stand fifth.

Ravi Ubha: Good morning, if you're in the US, folks, and welcome to our live coverage of Arsenal vs. Chelsea, a battle of London's most successful sides.