Chelsea vs Arsenal player ratings

Arsenal put their top 4 charge back on track with a brilliant 4-2 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.

After a hectic opening 45 minutes, the sides went in level in a pulsating game for the neutral but that had fans of both clubs hiding behind the sofa. Eddie Nketiah opened the scoring after being gifted the ball from Andreas Christensen in the opening minutes, but the lead lasted just moments as Timo Werner saw his shot deflected past Aaron Ramsdale.

In a game that was more end-to-end than many anticipated, Arsenal retook the lead courtesy of a cute finish from Emile Smith Rowe, but once again the hosts pegged them back with an equally impudent effort from Azpilicueta.

The second half began with far less frenzy, but it was in the chaotic manner of the game that Arsenal took the lead for a third time, with Nketiah bundling through several challenges to poke past Mendy for his second of the game.

EDDIE NKETIAH MAKES IT 3-2 TO ARSENAL! ⚡

Arsenal in front for a third time! pic.twitter.com/vQh2IAGDhJ

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 20, 2022

And, with Chelsea pushing for an equaliser, Bukayo Saka was fouled inside the area by Azpilicueta, before the Arsenal star brushed himself off to put the result beyond all doubt in added time.

Chelsea

Edouard Mendy – 5

Could not do much about any of the goals, but offered some questionable footwork when put under pressure.

Rece James – 5

Couldn’t affect the game in the way that he so often does. Will have better nights.

Andreas Christensen – 4

Made a horrible error for the opening goal of the game, and looked well off the pace. Was withdrawn at half-time.

Malang Sarr – 4

Struggled alongside Christensen in the Chelsea backline. Shows just how much the Blues will miss Rudiger should he not stay beyond this summer.

Cesar Azpilicueta – 5

Popped up in the six-yard box to poke home his side’s second goal, but was guilty of being sloppy at the back and conceded a late penalty.

Marcos Alonso – 5

Is not the first to have struggled against Bukayo Saka this season, and could not influence the game in the final third as he would have liked. Was withdrawn late on.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 6

A passenger for much of the first half, the could not put his mark on the game as it flew from end to end.

N’Golo Kante – 6

His usual busy self, but to no avail. Felt like both Kovacic and Jorginho were missed.

Mason Mount – 6

Making his 100th Premier League appearance for the Blues, Mount looked dangerous for much of the game and provided the assist for his side’s second goal.

Romelu Lukaku – 4

Booed off as he was taken off after an hour, in a goal-fest it was yet another blank for Chelsea’s record signing.

Timo Werner – 7

Levelled the scoring just moments after the Nketiah opener and looked dangerous up against Rob Holding. Faded as the game went on but always a threat.

Subs:

Thiago Silva – 5

Was unable to prevent Nketiah grabbing a second but brought some much needed calm to the occasion.

Kai Havertz – 5

Was unable to grab the much needed equaliser.

Hakim Ziyech – N/A

Came on late on in the piece and hardly touched the ball.

Arsenal

Aaron Ramsdale – 5

Flapped at an early corner and will feel he could have done better for Werner’s goal. Was quick off his line to mop up danger in the second half.

Ben White – 5

Looked out of place at times playing at right back and was caught on the ball for Arsenal’s second. Has had better nights.

Gabriel – 7

Headed a corner off the line in the opening minutes and was rarely caught out. The standout in the Gunners backline.

Rob Holding – 5

Looked rusty in the opening minutes but battled through the game on his first league start since January. As usual, excelled in the later backs to the wall effort.

Holding has won 4/5 duels so far. That’s what he’s in the team for. Sometimes you have to accept the sacrifices that come with that.

— James Benge (@jamesbenge) April 20, 2022

Nuno Tavares – 5

Once again looked well out of his depth in the first half, but settled as the second half went on. Still a weak point in Mikel Arteta’s defence.

Granit Xhaka – 8

A nutmeg on the edge of his own penalty area to set up the second goal displayed the confidence the Swiss international is playing with right now. Was excellent in midfield.

Mohamed Elneny- 6

Came in for only his second league start of the season and was his usual solid but unspectacular self.

Bukayo Saka – 7

Had the beating of Marcos Alonso time and time again throughout the game, and banished his Euro 2020 penalty demons with an emphatic spot kick.

Emile Smith Rowe – 7

Provided a cute finish for the second goal midway through the first half of this chaotic match. Flashes of brilliance from the youngster but could not translate it into further contributions.

Martin Odegaard – 8

Ran the show for the Gunners in the first half, and was a calm head in a chaotic game. Continues to prove a bargain signing for the club.

Eddie Nketiah – 9

Was handed the opening goal on a plate but made sure not to waste it to begin the upset. His second was equally fortuitous, but just what he needed as he ended the Gunners’ protection in front of goal.

Subs:

Gabriel Martinelli – 6

Was full of running but came on with the Gunners deciding to shut up shop, and as a result got little service.

Cedric – 4

Came on to help see out the game and did that, but squandered two glorious chances to ease the nerves and put the game to bed.

Lacazette – N/A

Cam on in added time.

What the experts said

2 – Eddie Nketiah is the first Arsenal player to score a brace against Chelsea in the Premier League since October 2011, when Robin van Persie netted a hat-trick. Repaid. pic.twitter.com/FSQD69UQmV

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 20, 2022

Eddie Nketiah’s game by numbers vs Chelsea (70 mins):

100% tackles won
37 touches
7 duels won’t
5 shots
3/4 aerial duels won’t
2 ball recovery
2 goals

Arsenal’s match-winner? 📞 pic.twitter.com/kGPQTJvNUp

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) April 20, 2022

I think this first hour or so has provided a real reminder of Emile Smith Rowe’s quality and potential.

— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) April 20, 2022

What the fans said

We’ve played much better than I thought we would. We deserve to go in level at the very least. Can’t help but think that the game is there to be won.

— FK ☕️ (@fkhanage) April 20, 2022

Nketiah has as many open play goals today as Laca has all season

— Renato (@rehnato) April 20, 2022

Tavares won’t get either assist obviously, but it was his pass to Nketiah for both of his goals.

— Dan Critchlow (@afcDW) April 20, 2022

• Mendy
• Christensen
• Sar
• Alonso
• Kanté
• Lukaku

Beyond poor from all of them.

— Alex Goldberg (@AlexGoldberg_) April 20, 2022

Sarr has not been good tonight. #CFC

— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) April 20, 2022

What you may have missed

Is a storm brewing?

Christensen not sat amongst the bench or Chelsea staff after being subbed off.

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) April 20, 2022

Read more:

Emile Smith Rowe nets milestone goal in first-half flurry against Chelsea

Thomas Tuchel issues fitness update on Antonio Rudiger ahead of West Ham clash

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