Chelsea hosted Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, looking to build on their impressive win against Barcelona.
The two London giants were pretty even in the first half and Chelsea managed to keep the score level at 0-0 despite Moises Caicedo’s red card. They then took the lead through Trevoh Chalobah and would have felt that Mikel Merino’s equaliser was undeserved.
Given the circumstances, though, Enzo Maresca will be pleased with the 1-1 draw and point.
Who was your Man of the Match vs Arsenal?
Here is how The Chelsea Chronicle graded the Blues’ after their spirited performance.
Chelsea v Arsenal - Premier League
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Robert Sanchez: 8/10
Robert Sanchez made a good save from Bukayo Saka in the first 15 minutes and another brilliant stop just before the first half’s conclusion.
Malo Gusto: 7/10
Caused Arsenal problems on the right flank and not much threat came down his side. Malo Gusto’s overall performance was good.
Wesley Fofana: 7/10
Strong in the air and looked solid alongside Chalobah. Hopefully Wesley Fofana can remain fit now.
Trevoh Chalobah: 8/10
Clever header for the opener, defended well and was composed on the ball. Chalobah’s starting to form a good partnership with Fofana.
Marc Cucurella: 5/10
Received an early yellow card after getting extremely tight to Saka. Marc Cucurella could not stop Saka’s cross for Arsenal’s equaliser and had a difficult afternoon overall.
Reece James: 9/10
Strong in midfield, starting to look at home there. The way Reece James was bulldozing through the middle was brilliant. He was easily Chelsea’s best player.
Chelsea v Arsenal - Premier League
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Moises Caicedo: 2/10
Caicedo could not have any complaints after getting sent off, really bad challenge that deserved a red.
Estevao Willian: 6/10
Missed a good opportunity just before the 20th minute but created a few chances. Estevao Willian was unfortunate to be substituted but had to be sacrificed after Caicedo’s red.
Enzo Fernandez: 6/10
Was unable to conduct and attack as he usually does because of Caicedo’s dismissal. Enzo Fernandez did not do much wrong but did not really influence the game either.
Pedro Neto: 5/10
Doesn’t look as comfortable on the left as the right. Pedro Neto was eventually swapped to the opposite flank but could not make much of an impact there either.
Joao Pedro: 6/10
Caused problems for Arsenal as he dropped deep, but Joao Pedro should have done better when winning the ball back at the edge of the Gunners’ box on the half-hour mark.
Alejandro Garnacho: 5/10
Alejandro Garnacho could have been a bit more direct when he came on.
Liam Delap: 6/10
Not easy leading the line by himself while Chelsea were down to 10 men, but Liam Delap tried to use his body and be a nuisance.