There was a lot of talk about Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice before Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal last Sunday.
Caicedo and Rice are arguably the two best midfielders in the Premier League at the moment.
However, it was Reece James who dominated in the middle of the park, with the 25-year-old really needing to step up after Caicedo’s dismissal in the 38th minute of the game.
Reece James set to be benched for Leeds vs Chelsea
“The reality is no!” ð
Enzo Maresca says Reece James will be unable to face Leeds on Wednesday following his sensational performance against Arsenal ✨ pic.twitter.com/5Bxb9EEVKa
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) November 30, 2025
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He has now been named in Alan Shearer’s Premier League Team of the Week following his performance.
Alan Shearer provides punditry for Newcastle United FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Alan Shearer witnessed Reece James’ physicality and quality on the ball in Chelsea’s draw with Arsenal
Shearer thought James was “exceptional” against Arsenal, highlighting his physicality in midfield and technical quality on the ball.
Explaining his decision to include the England international in his Premier League Team of the Week, the Newcastle United legend said: “Exceptional display from the skipper. Physically dominant in midfield, despite his partner in there, Caicedo, being sent off. Showed his class on the ball, with his corner creating [Trevoh] Chalobah’s opener.”
Chelsea’s London derby with Arsenal saw the return of Noni Madueke, who received a frosty reception from the home supporters at Stamford Bridge.
However, after the full-time whistle, James embraced Madueke, so the winger still has some friends in west London.
Next up for James and Chelsea is a trip to Elland Road to face rivals Leeds United.
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Reece James of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Alan Shearer also named Trevoh Chalobah in Team of the Week
James was not the only Chelsea star to be named in Shearer’s Team of the Week. The former England striker also included Chalobah.
On Chalobah’s inclusion, Shearer said: “Scored with a brilliant glancing header and was a solid presence at the heart of Chelsea’s defence in their impressive draw with Arsenal.”
It was easily one of the 26-year-old’s best performances in a Chelsea shirt. Not only did Chalobah manage to score, but he also defended extremely well.
In fact, Chelsea’s entire backline did a fantastic job against Arsenal. They could have dealt with Bukayo Saka’s cross for Mikel Merino’s goal a bit better, but other than that, the Blues’ defence was solid.
It has been some turnaround by Chalobah, who was at Crystal Palace this time last year after being frozen out by Chelsea. Hopefully he can maintain the form that he has been in lately.