Frank Lampard’s Chelsea side fell to a gutting 2-1 defeat at the hands of fierce London rivals Arsenal, after a spree of untimely injuries disrupted the gaffer’s game-plan quite terribly. Although the knock to Azpilicueta didn’t have too much of an effect, Christian Pulisic’s withdrawal forced the Blues’ backroom team into panic mode. Mateo Kovacic was then sent off by Anthony Taylor for a challenge that most certainly wasn’t a foul. Pulisic opened the scoring early on for the West London side, but two goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ensured that the FA Cup would be heading to the Emirates Stadium once again.
Here Are The Chelsea Player Ratings Vs Arsenal:
Chelsea Player Ratings Vs Arsenal
Willy Caballero – 6
The veteran stopper didn’t have too many saves to make over the course of the fixture, but couldn’t be blamed for either of the Arsenal goals tonight. Tried to release the ball quickly.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6
The skipper put in a good shift in the first half but had to come off with a hamstring injury early on. Didn’t have the time to impact the fixture.
Antonio Rudiger – 5
The German was caught on the ball on multiple occasions and never looked confident when being pressed by the Arsenal forwards. Could’ve cost the game on a multitude of instances.
Kurt Zouma – 6
The Frenchman was caught flat-footed by Aubameyang on the lead up to the Arsenal winner. Put in a solid shift otherwise as he made several vital tackles and interceptions as well.
Reece James – 6
Spent a majority of the fixture operating as the inverted full-back in an attempt to add an extra man in midfield. Wasn’t allowed space to deliver his usual quality on the flank by the Arsenal defenders.
Jorginho – 6
Passed the ball around with composure and started the move that led to the Chelsea goal. Wasn’t really caught in possession on too many occasions, but lacked the required penetration.
Mateo Kovacic – 6
The Croatian was issued an extremely unfortunate second yellow by Anthony Taylor in the second half, for a tackle where there was no contact. Tried to pass the ball around and make things happen.
Marcos Alonso – 6
The Spaniard spent a majority of the fixture attacking the Arsenal defence line, but he wasn’t able to create any end-product. Picked up some good positions, but couldn’t capitalise.
Mason Mount – 5.5
The Englishman started the game looking strong, but slowly fizzled out of proceedings. Was forced to drop extremely deep to get a touch of the ball in the second half and was substituted.
Olivier Giroud – 5.5
The Frenchman had a part to play in the Blues’ opener tonight, but he struggled to hold the ball up against the aggressive approach being taken up by David Luiz. Wasn’t able to impact the tie at all.
Christian Pulisic – 6.5
The American produced one moment of brilliance in the first half. Like Azpilicueta, the speedster was forced to come off with what looked like a similar hamstring injury.
Substitutes
Andreas Christensen – 6
The Dane stood his ground against a lot of the Arsenal attacking and was quite dominant in the air as well. Was given the run around on a couple of occasions by Aubameyang though.
Pedro – 5.5
The Spanish veteran tried to inject some energy into the Chelsea attack, but he just didn’t seem capable of producing the necessary final ball. Had to come off injured with a shoulder problem.
Ross Barkley – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
Tammy Abraham – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
