Arsenal travelled to Stamford Bridge to play Chelsea in a hectic London derby. Read on for Layth Yousif’s PLAYER RATINGS
Chelsea:
Kepa: 6 – It was very much a case of welcome to the Premier League for the former Atletico Bilbao goalkeeper after this frenetic match.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 7 – The normally consistent defender was caught up in an end-to-end game where defensive excellence was lost in favour in attacking intent from both teams.
Antonio Rudiger: 7 – Worked hard
David Luiz: 7 – The attack-minded but defensively suspect defender did nothing to change his reputation
Marcos Alonso: 7.5 - Dangerous in attack during the action-packed first half but stunned by Arsenal’s comeback. Rallied well to grab the winner with ten minutes remaining
Jorginho: 7.5 – The former Napoli man impressed in the ‘Makelele’ role which had been rebranded the ‘Kante’ position until Sarri decided to push the world class former Leicester midfielder further forward.
Kante: 7 – Enjoying being an attacking midfielder even if Blues fans must wish there were two of him.
Barkley: 7 - Gradually finding his way back. Showed the quality Everton fans know he is capable of when driving into the box early in the second half only for Cech to push the ball wide.
Pedro: 7.5 – Excellent left-footed finish to put Chelsea 1-0 ahead but his composure was almost forgotten in the maelstrom that was to follow.
Willian: 7 – Intermittently dangerous before he was replaced by Kovacic
Alvaro Morata: 7.5 – Another who showed quality for his goal. Hasn’t impressed as much as he would have liked during his Chelsea career so far but showed his quality in the first half. Faded and was substituted by former Arsenal man Olivier Giroud late on.
Substitutes:
Eden Hazard: 8 – On for Willian in his first match back after his World Cup exploits with third-placed Belgium. Showed his quality immediately by influencing proceedings
Mateo Kovacic: 7 – The on loan Croatia came on for Barkley after moving from Real Madrid
Olivier Giroud: 7 – On for a fading Barkley. Received a rapturous ovation from both sets of fans.
Arsenal:
Petr Cech: 6 - Stunned by two early goals on his return to Stamford Bridge where he served with such disntinction. Attempted to play out from the back but struggled as Chelsea pressed high in a frenetic match
Hector Bellerin: 7 – Showed great pace in attack and would have enjoyed troubling Alonso after being knocked out by the left-back during Chelsea defender’s goal two years ago.
Sokratis: 6 – Shaky. But then which defender wasn’t as Chelsea powered into a two-goal lead early on.
Shkodran Mustafi: 6.5 – Offered attacking options including two through balls that set up chances, but should have done far better when being turned by Morata for his goal.
Nacho Monreal: 7 – No better way to gain match fitness than in the maelstrom of Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Played a crucial part in the first goal after winning possession early in the move.
Matteo Guendouzi,: 7 - Talented but raw. Provided vital interceptions and used the ball effectively. Made errors but showed character in responding positively in such a big game. A good prospect if he keeps improving.
Granit Xhaka: 5 – Off the pace. Substituted at half time for Lucas Torreira. Will not get his place back.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 7.5 – Missed chances but showed his quality to score.
Mesut Ozil: 6 – Flitted in an out of the game. As beautiful – and effective – as a butterfly
Alex, Iwobi: 7.5 – Gave the type of performance Arsenal fans were not sure he was still capable of. Has impressed Emery this summer enough to earn a new, long-term deal. Easy to see why on this performance and deserved his goal. Emery will demand more of the same.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 7 – Could have should have scored twice. The goals will come for this talented striker with pace to burn.
Substitutes:
Lucas Torreira: On for the ineffectual Xhaka at half time.
Aaron Ramsey: Came on midway through the second half for an underwhelming Ozil
Alexandre Lacazette: On for Iwobi who thoroughly earned his ovation
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