It was a night of disappointment for Chelsea as they lost their crucial clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium by 2-0. The Gunners started to put the pressure on their opponents from the word go, and it bore them result in the first half itself as Alexandre Lacazette opened the scoring, directing the ball into the net off a brilliant cross from Hector Bellerin in the 14th minute of the match. The relentless pressing from Arsenal got them another goal in the 39th minute. This time captain Laurent Koscielny heading (shouldering to be more accurate) home a ball delivered (miscued) into the box by fellow defender Sokratis Papastatholous.
Chelsea tried their best to get back into the game but never looked like breaching the Arsenal defence as it ended in favour of the hosts, handing the Gunners a crucial win en route to their pursuit for a place among the top four teams in the Premier League table.
Here is how the Chelsea players were rated from their disappointing defeat against Arsenal.
Kepa Arrizabalaga: 6
Could not do much to prevent either of the goals scored.
Marcos Alonso: 5
His defending let his side down throughout the match as he could not match up with the pace of Hector Bellerin on a number of occasions.
David Luiz: 6
Delivered a brilliant ball to set up Pedro in the Arsenal box but the Spaniard could not direct his shot goalwards. Had a poor game otherwise.
Antonio Rudiger: 6
Showed more composure in the second half to guard the backline after having a poor first half.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 6
Defended well but lacked accuracy with his passes.
Mateo Kovacic: 5
Got into a number of tussles but failed to break down the Arsenal attacks before building.
Jorginho: 5
Lacked composure in the midfield and looked a bit fatigued towards the end of the match. Was thrown off from the very beginning of the game with Aaron Ramsey completely man-marking him out of the contest.
N’Golo Kante: 6
Nothing special from the Frenchman. Looked to make a few moves in the second half though.
Pedro: 5
Missed an excellent chance to get his side back in the contest. Lacked the accuracy in his shots throughout the match.
Willian: 6
Tried to deceive the Arsenal defenders with his footwork but they proved too good for him on the day. Was withdrawn in the second half.
Eden Hazard: 6
Could not get the shots past the Arsenal defenders and had to leave the pitch empty handed.
Substitutes
Ross Barkley: 5
Nothing special from the Englishman in his short stay on the pitch.
Olivier Giroud: 5
Had a disappointing outing against his former team as he could do nothing to get the Blues back in the game.
Callum Hudson-Odoi: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
