Arsenal’s struggles under Mikel Arteta continues as they slump to yet another 2-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea. The Gunners were always the second-best team against the European champions despite the resounding home support as first-half goals from Romelu Lukaku and Reece James saw them drop three more points.
Arsenal Players Rated Vs Chelsea
Bernd Leno: 6.5/10
Bernd Leno couldn’t have done anything to save the two close-range efforts from Chelsea. But an outstanding late save to deny Romelu Lukaku helped him keep Arsenal in the contest.
Cedric Soares: 5/10
Cedric Soares was not kept overly busy by Chelsea on the right flank, but his poor positioning saw him play the opposition players onside. He also provided very little going forward, though that was largely due to his role in the Arsenal backline.
Rob Holding: 5/10
Rob Holding had a glorious chance to pull one back for Arsenal but his header was wide. Defensively, the tall defender didn’t fare all too well either, though he was much better in the second half.
Pablo Mari: 5/10
Pablo Mari had a horrid start to the game, struggling against the big Lukaku. He later improved as the game progressed but was still nowhere near the quality required to help Arsenal compete with a team like Chelsea.
Kieran Tierney: 5/10
Kieran Tierney had an uphill task of defending Arsenal’s left-hand side without any support from Bukayo Saka. He did look menacing at times going forward but picked up an injury around the hour mark.
Albert Sambi Lokonga: 6/10
Albert Sambi Lokonga offered the early spark with his creative play. But his influence faded as the game progressed.
Granit Xhaka: 4.5/10
Granit Xhaka simply did not have enough control on the game, often being overrun by the Chelsea midfielders. Not a good performance from the reinstated Arsenal captain.
Nicolas Pepe: 6/10
Nicolas Pepe showed glimpses of his quality, at times, with clever turns and flicks. But it wasn’t enough to make life difficult for Antonio Rudiger out wide.
Emile Smith Rowe: 6/10
Emile Smith Rowe was another Arsenal player struggling to make an impact in the final third. He wasn’t helped a lot by his teammates in the final third, though, as Chelsea dominated the game.
Bukayo Saka: 4/10
Bukayo Saka should have done much better defensively to keep track of Reece James’ runs out wide. He looked very lethargic, struggling to make an impact on the proceedings. May have lacked full fitness.
Gabriel Martinelli: 4/10
The decision to deploy Gabriel Martinelli as the sole number nine was a questionable one from Mikel Arteta as the youngster was never going to have any chance against the likes of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen. He was taken off late in the game.
SUBSTITUTES
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 5/10
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang did not make any impact after coming on as a second-half substitute for Arsenal. Not enough service for the Gabonese international.
Nuno Tavares: 6/10
Replaced the injured Tierney just around the hour mark. Won a few corners but not enough to make a difference.
Folarin Balogun: N/A
A late replacement for the tiring Martinelli.
