Chelsea player opened the gates for Arsenal to get right back into the the top four race. The Blues got hammered 4-2 by the Gunners at the Stamford Bridge, in what was an enthralling encounter. However, Chelsea were the architects of their own downfall. Here are our ratings for the Chelsea players from their devastating London derby defeat.
Andreas Christensen started Chelsea’s blues after his horrible back pass was pounced on by the chasing Eddie Nketiah. Though he Arsenal striker only had to beat Mendy and put the Gunners into the lead. However, Nketiah became a zero from hero real quick. Ruben Loftus-Cheek robbed the ball from Nketiah to play in Timo Werner. The Chelsea striker’s deflected shot from outside of the box levelled up the things.
A scintillating counter-attack was started by Granit Xhaka just before the half hour mark. The midfielder nutmegged Marcos Alonso and played a Bukayo Saka on the right flank. Saka then found Odegaard who laid it for Emile Smith Rowe to place it beyond Edouard Mendy. But Arsenal’s this lead was short-lived as well, with Chelsea equalizing within five minutes. Cesar Azpilicueta was the man this time who smartly got ahead of Nuno Tavares to meet Mason Mount’s low cross.
But the second-half belonged to Arsenal, who choked up the Chelsea players with exceptional high pressing. This Azpilicueta did the honours of giving the ball in the midfield. Nketiah again embarked on the Chelsea goal, before being superbly challenged by Thiago Silva. However, Sarr’s failure to clear the ball again saw Nketiah nodding it in the Blues’ goal. Bukayao Saka killed the game with an injury time penalty.
Chelsea player ratings: Defenders
Edouard Mendy- 4/10
Though his defenders let him down, could have done more in the second and third goals.
Reece James- 5/10
Started as the right center-back, and later was shifted to wing-back. However, good defensively, winning all his tackles and ground duels. But it was his attacking game that was needed.
Andreas Christensen- 2/10
Terrible back pass which led to Arsenal’s opener, especially when he knew Nketiah was on his back. His night was summed up when taken-off at the break. The Chelsea player with lowest ratings.
Malang Sarr- 3/10
Absolutely rattled by Saka and Odegaard. Bizarre reaction resulted in Nketiah scoring his second.
Midfielders
Cesar Azpilicueta- 5/10
Mixed game for the captain. Really smart goal, pouncing ahead of his man. But his night was marred by the his two mistakes which led to goals. First, losing the ball in the midfield, and then the penalty incident.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek- 6/10
Loftus-Cheek Continues to impress. Played safe avoiding any silly mistakes, and an assist to Werner for Chelsea’ first.
N’Golo Kante- 6/10
Not the performance Thomas Tuchel would have wanted from Kante, but at least was on his toes. However, his lack of pushing the ball up front was a thorn.
Marcos Alonso- 7/10
It was evident he was going to struggle against an in-form Bukayo Saka. But his attacking game didn’t suffer and provided much support going forward. A total of 5 shots attempted, and 100% dribble success rate.
Forwards
Mason Mount- 7/10
Playing his 100th Premier League game, marked it with an assist. However, after dazzling early exchanges, Mount too faded away.
Romelu Lukaku- 4/10
Tried his level /best to make things happen. Barely involved in a first half which was wide open.
Timo Werner- 8/10
A bright spot. Receives highest ratings among any other Chelsea player. Took his chance with the shot, and levelled up the things. Constantly asking for the ball. Way to go for the German in his redemption.
Substitutes
Thiago Silva- 6/10
Came on for Christensen at the half time. A much needed presence in the defence since coming on. Solid challenge on Nketiah, however messed up by Sarr.
Kai Havertz- 4/10
Came on for Lukaku at the hour mark. Couldn’t do much to change Chelsea’s fortunes. However, he Didn’t have the expected influence on the game. Zero shots, zero key passes were offered by Havertz.
Hakim Ziyech- N/A
Came on on Alonso in the 81st minute.
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