Arsenal vs Chelsea Player Ratings

No one said playing the champions of Europe would be easy… especially with the addition of one of the best STs in the world. Even though Arsenal lost 2-0, I’m not too discouraged – even with a weakened side, we could’ve easily had scored 1 or 2 on another day.

Mikel Arteta – 6

When you look at the players he had available (and the injury list), he had his hands tied. In my opinion, he put forward the best squad that he could. A shift to a 4-5-1 formation put a greater emphasis on defence, which in theory, at least, was a good move. The only thing I’d falter him on was his inability to predict and deal with the Chelsea wing backs: they’ve been playing the same way since Tuchel entered. He should’ve seen it coming.

Bernd Leno – 6

You couldn’t ask him to do much for either goal. In terms of what he could control, he made no errors in possession, commanded the defence well and even pulled off a magnificent save, tapping the ball onto the bar to deny Lukaku a second from close range.

Kieran Tierney – 5

It was one of the quieter games for Kieran Tierney. As much as he would’ve liked to get forward, he had to deal with the guarantee that Havertz/Mount and Reece James would come bounding at him as soon as Chelsea won possession. Both goals came down his side, which he must take some responsibility for. Even though he was doing his best to mark the players coming down his side, he couldn’t deal with the overload. Whether the lack of help did him over or whether it was poor organisation: that’s his side of the defence.

Rob Holding and Pablo Mari – 4.5

Don’t get me wrong, playing on a prime Romelu Lukaku is no easy task, however, both players showed a lack of heart. Whenever the ball was worked out wide, Lukaku would breeze past them into way too much space on the middle of the six yard box, which is how he scored his goal. There was no fight to try and stick with him. Although Lukaku could throw around 95% of the Premier League, there needed to be more effort – it was to easy for the Chelsea number 9. Both picked up yellow cards in Arsenal’s attacking half… stupid.

Cedric Soares – 6

I was a bit surprised to see him back in the line-up. In saying that, I think he did well. Was efficient in possession, had some good link up play with Pepe and did well to somewhat suppress the left side of Chelsea’s attack. The only mistake I saw was allowing Chelsea to retain possession in the lead-up to the second goal. For the time being, if Arsenal don’t sign a RB I’d like to see him start more.

Granit Xhaka – 5.5

As the more defensive of the midfield pairing, it was a bit easy to play through the Arsenal lines as some gaps opened up. Xhaka was good in possession though and did what he could.

Albert Sambi Lokonga – 6

He also holds responsibility for the exaggerated distance between the defence and midfield. This man may be one of my new favourite Arsenal players. Brilliant work rate, ability to maintain possession and that half turn to break through the lines with the ball is a thing of beauty. As long as neither get injured, I can’t wait to see a Sambi-Partey pairing.

Bukayo Saka – 5

Saka was probably the biggest let down of the game. That’s not to say he had an absurdly shocking game, but his lack of work rate on the defensive end of the ball (which he usually has) allowed Reece James to overload Tierney and contribute directly to both goals. He also seemed a little off in attack.

Emile Smith-Rowe – 6.5

Another great performance where he was the shining light. Got close to scoring multiple times and was brilliant in keeping possession, as well as progressing it through the ranks of the team. With a consistent striker partner (whether it be Aubameyang, Lacazette, Nketiah, Balogun or someone else), I’d like to see what he can do.

Nicolas Pepe – 5.5

Had some good link-up play with Cedric and Sambi on the right side of the pitch. Couldn’t do much as Rudiger and Alonso had everything under wraps. Didn’t offer much defensive relief either.

Gabriel Martinelli – 5.5

Well I’m sure his assignment was to run and run and run. He did just that. It was never going to be easy as the sole attacker against a back 3, but he didn’t let up and did what he could.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 6

For the first time in a while, he looked legitimately dangerous.

Nuno Tavares – 5.5

Came on for an injured Tierney and put in an alright shift.

Folarin Balogun – N/A

Wasn’t on for long enough

MAN OF THE MATCH:

Emile Smith-Rowe – 6.5

2 MOTMs in 2 matches (out of Arsenal players). Currently looking like our player of the season.