Jacob Steinberg at the Emirates Stadium 

Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea: Premier League player ratings

A tale of contrasting fortunes for the goalkeepers with Raya making crucial stops while Sánchez flapped for the winner
  
  

David Raya
David Raya was in solid form in Arsenal’s goal at the Emirates Stadium. Photograph: Andrew Boyers/Action Images/Reuters

Arsenal (4-2-3-1)

David Raya (GK) The Spaniard made two important saves to stop Chelsea from going ahead. Leapt to deny them an equaliser in added time. 8/10

Jurriën Timber (RB) Benefited from not having to deal with a conventional winger. Still one of his side’s best players. A huge winner. 8

William Saliba (CB) Had not profited from Arsenal’s set pieces. He picked a good time to make it 1-0 with his first goal of the season. 7

Gabriel Magalhães (CB) Rose at the far post to set up Saliba. Had some awkward moments against João Pedro but kept Chelsea at bay. 7

Piero Hincapié (LB) A robust performance from the full-back, even though he mistimed his jump and headed into his own net for 1-1. 7

Martín Zubimendi (CM) The Spaniard’s energy levels have dipped recently. Almost followed up his mistake against Manchester United with another blunder. Not fluent. 6

Declan Rice (CM) Weary in and out of possession. There was too much space for Chelsea at times. Tired after crossing for the winner. 6

Bukayo Saka (RW) The winger was ineffective in open play for much of the contest. But he swung in the corner for Arsenal’s first goal. 6

Eberechi Eze (AM) Could not build on his double against Tottenham. Careless in possession and seemed to lack focus. Martin Ødegaard was missed. 5

Leandro Trossard (LW) Offered his usual scurrying on the left but failed to find the final ball before going off in the second half. 6

Viktor Gyökeres (CF) The striker worked hard but produced a blunt performance. He ran the channels but he lacked quality in dangerous positions. 5

Substitutes: Gabriel Martinelli (for Trossard, 56) 6; Kai Havertz (for Gyökeres, 76) 6; Christian Nørgaard (for Rice, 76) 6.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1)

Robert Sánchez (GK) An accident waiting to happen with the ball at his feet. Flapped in hapless fashion for Arsenal’s winner, claiming a nonexistent foul. 4

Reece James (RB) Bullied by Gabriel for the opening goal but recovered to make the equaliser. His crosses and set-piece deliveries caused problems. Defended well. 7

Trevoh Chalobah (CB) Had to be alert to some powerful runs from Gyökeres but did not allow the forward to get past him. 6

Mamadou Sarr (CB) The young centre-back made a nervy start on his full league debut but he eased into the game and kept Gyökeres quiet. 6

Jorrel Hato (LB) The Dutchman toiled against West Ham in January. This was better. Hato was rarely beaten by Saka. Tried to overlap. 7

Andrey Santos (CM) The young Brazilian has made swift progress under Liam Rosenior. Played his part in denying Arsenal room to create. 6

Moisés Caicedo (CM) Acquitted himself well in his battle with Rice. Took control at the start of the second half and whistled a drive over at 2-1. 7

Pedro Neto (RW) Unable to make an impact against Hincapié and left his team up against it with a silly red card. 4

Enzo Fernández (AM) Played in an advanced role and his influence grew after half-time. Tested Raya from 20 yards. Booked for dissent. 6

Cole Palmer (LW) Drifted in from the left to elude his markers but he could not pick the right pass. Still not 100% fit. 6

João Pedro (CF) A handful. The Brazilian enjoyed his tussle with Gabriel and Saliba but was disappointed not to convert a free header. 7

Substitutes: Roméo Lavia (for Santos, 75) 6; Malo Gusto (for Hato, 75) 6; Alejandro Garnacho (for Palmer, 86) 6; Liam Delap (for Fernández, 86) 5; Tosin Adarabioyo (for Sarr) N/A.

 

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