Chelsea player ratings vs Arsenal: Who impressed and who did not?

Marcos Alonso’s late strike gave Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea a 3-2 win over their London rivals Arsenal. The Gunners had come from two goals down to equalize before half-time, but Alonso struck late via an assist from Eden Hazard to seal the three points for the Blues.

Pedro gave the home side the perfect start before Alvaro Morata scored to put his team in command. For Arsenal, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan combined to miss three glorious opportunities in the first half. They eventually got back in the game with goals from the Armenian and Alex Iwobi.

The game was settled nine minutes from time when Chelsea’s left-back made a diligent run in the box and placed a tidy finish through Petr Cech’s legs.

Here’s how Chelsea players rated at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea player ratings vs Arsenal

Kepa Arrizabalaga – 4.5/10

Should have done better to prevent Mkhitaryan’s goal. Had an iffy moment in the second half when he almost spilt a low cross. A shaky outing for the Spaniard.

Cesar Azpilicueta – 5.5/10

Delivered an excellent ball for Morata to control and score, but he was constantly caught out while defending. As a result, Arsenal found it easy to get in behind with space to cross the ball.

Antonio Rudiger – 4.5/10

Rudiger was decent with the ball at his feet, spraying some good passes forward. Nonetheless, he was exposed at times in the defence and the German didn’t deal with certain situations well.

David Luiz – 4.5/10

As his partner, Luiz was also comfortable and assured in possession. However, the Brazilian was caught in a high-line defence and he didn’t have the pace to make recovery runs comfortably.

Marcos Alonso – 7.5/10

The left-back was good while moving forward and linking up play with Willian and Hazard. The Spaniard, however, needs to be alert while fulfilling his defensive duties.

Jorginho – 7.5/10

The former Napoli man was controlling the game but couldn’t cope when Arsenal overran in the midfield and arrested the initiative. Overall, his ball distribution was imperious, to say the least.

Ross Barkley – 7/10

Started the game with some good runs beyond the striker and was comfortable in the midfield, knocking the ball around. Like many of his teammates, Barkley could have done better without the ball defensively.

N’Golo Kante – 6/10

The Frenchman has done well to adapt to his new position in central midfield, however, he had a quiet game. Did well to mark the runs and retain possession at times.

Willian – 6.5/10

The Brazilian showed good pace and quality early on but faded as the game wore on.

Pedro – 7.5/10

Scored the opening goal and showed several bits of pace and energy. It seems like the former Barcelona man is enjoying life under Sarri thus far.

Alvaro Morata – 7.5/10

Got the goal he most desperately needed but Morata could have done better while holding onto the ball. Nevertheless, he put in a much-improved performance despite being under pressure.

SUBS:

Eden Hazard (Sub on after 60 mins) – 8.5/10

Came on and completely changed the game with his magical feet. Assisted Alonso for the winner after some lovely work down the left channel. Chelsea cannot afford to lose him.

Mateo Kovacic (Sub on after 60 mins) – 7.5/10

The Croat was tidy in possession and closed down the opposition when required. An impressive debut indeed.

Olivier Giroud (Sub on after 75 mins) – 6.5/10

Came on for Morata and did well. Almost got a goal in the end against his former club.