CHELSEA 1-1 ARSENAL: The full Blues player ratings after Enzo Maresca’s side drew with the Premier League leaders at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon
Ten-man Chelsea have shared the points with Premier League leaders Arsenal at Stamford Bridge after a fiercely contested 1-1 draw on Sunday evening.
Moises Caicedo was shown a straight red card for a high tackle on Mikel Merino on 38 minutes after referee Anthony Taylor went over to the pitchside monitor and changed his initial decision.
Arsenal were then big favourites with their man advantage, but it was Chelsea who took the lead in west London. Trevoh Chalobah’s header from a corner found the back of the net to send the majority of Stamford Bridge into ecstasy.
However, not too long after, Mikel Merino headed in from close range to level the match. A fantastic delivery from Bukayo Saka found the Spaniard, who was free in the six-yard box.
The match finished 1-1 in a really entertaining encounter in SW6. Below, Bobby Vincent rates the Chelsea players based on their performance:
Robert Sanchez – 8
Sanchez did really well to deny Gabriel Martinelli’s low strike just before half-time. Another great stop late on. Top performance from the Chelsea goalkeeper.
Malo Gusto – 5
Perhaps could have done better for Merino’s goal. Wasn’t alive enough to the Spaniard’s run.
Wesley Fofana – 5
You could also make the argument that Fofana should have fared better for Arsenal’s equaliser. He looked to cover the near post but that allowed space for Merino.
Trevoh Chalobah – 8
A brilliant flick with his head that finds the far corner. Leapt above everyone and his effort had enough to beat David Raya. Aside from that, defended really well. He has shown some fantastic form recently.
Marc Cucurella – 6
Lets Bukayo Saka know he’s there with an aggressive challenge three minutes in. That set the tone for Cucurella, who picked up a yellow card just 10 minutes in.
Reece James – 8
James was man-marking Declan Rice at times, meaning he was often up the pitch when the Gunners were in possession. Fantastic cross from a corner to set Chalobah’s goal up.
All in all, a top performance from the captain. More passionate than anyone else out there on the pitch. Looking to carry Chelsea on his back at times.
Moises Caicedo – 3
Sent off for a nasty challenge on Merino in the first-half. A silly tackle. Caicedo is so often sensational but he let his side down a bit there.
Estevao Willian – 5
Misses a big chance on 18 minutes. Kept trying, though, and caused Riccardo Calafiori some problems. Subbed at half-time, though.
Enzo Fernandez – 7
A real warrior. Up for any physical battle. Got on the ball plenty, dictating the play.
Pedro Neto – 6
Neto started on the left wing and was tasked with keeping an eye on Saka and helping Cucurella out. As always, relentless work-rate from the Portugal international. Unfortunately not able to have too much of an impact on the ball this evening.
Joao Pedro – 4
Tried really hard but it just wasn’t his day. Wasn’t too much of a surprise to see him come off on 55 minutes.
Alejandro Garnacho (on for Estevao 46′) – 6
On at the break. Had to put in a lot of defensive work – something you can see Garnacho is improving on with every appearance.
Liam Delap (on for Joao Pedro 55′) – 5
Could have held it up a bit better. Was not too involved unfortunately.
