Full Time: Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
A ten-man Chelsea were held to a 0-0 draw by London rivals Arsenal in matchweek 5 of the Premier League, at the Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The Blues started off the game brightly, creating good opportunities, but the Gunners grew into the game with time and were the side on top when half-time arrived with the score at 0-0. Antonio Conte’s men were far from their best, especially in the final third, where they seemed to lack that cutting edge and then they were reduced to ten men, when David Luiz received his marching orders for a foul on Sead Kolasinac. No side could breach each other’s defences though and had to share the spoils at the final whistle.
Chelsea Player Ratings
Thibaut Courtois – 6/10
Despite Arsenal threatening in plenty, he did not have a lot of saves to make, apart from two decent stops to deny Alexandre Lacazette and Kolasinac.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7/10
Another reliable performance at the backline. Used his pace well to thwart the danger and had a solid game.
David Luiz – 7/10
Was having a great game, until that reckless lunge on Kolasinac. Was always alert to danger, tracked Lacazette’s near post runs, but the challenge that got him sent off was wild.
Gary Cahill – 7/10
Made his return to the line-up after the sending off on the opening day and looked solid as ever.
Victor Moses – 7/10
Battled hard down the right-hand side, making a number of piercing runs forward and getting into good positions and linked up nicely with Willian.
N’Golo Kante – 7/10
You know what you will get from him each time he takes the field. Loads of energy, making crucial interceptions and adding solidity.
Cesc Fabregas – 6/10
Started off well, controlling the early exchanges well. Nice passes throughout, but no telling impact.
Marcos Alonso – 6.5/10
Exposed by Bellerin’s pace at times and did not pose the usual threat that he does while going forward.
Willian – 6.5/10
Does most things right, but they just don’t fall into the right place for him. Another hardworking display down the right-hand side. Was unlucky to be taken off.
Alvaro Morata – 5/10
Did not offer much of a threat going forward, as he was very well marshalled by Shkodran Mustafi. Booked.
Pedro – 5/10
Missed a great chance in the first half and was at the receiving end of some robust defending by Arsenal. Subbed off at half-time.
Substitutes
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 7/10
Replaced Pedro at half-time. Made a couple of driving runs forward and added more purpose.
Eden Hazard – 7/10
On for Willian for the final twenty minutes as Conte searched for the winner. One brilliant run and shot that was saved by Petr Cech.
Andreas Christiansen – N/A
Came on for Morata after Luiz’s sending off late in the game.