Chelsea v Arsenal player ratings
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Chelsea made it two wins from two as Marcos Alonso’s 80th-minute goal earned victory in an enthralling London derby against Arsenal. Here’s how we rated each Blues player in the 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge.
Kepa Arrizabalaga: 6
Looked composed and confident and made a couple of decent saves, but should have done better when he was beaten by Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s fierce strike,
Cesar Azpilicueta: 7
Typically dependable but too often the Spaniard was left brutally exposed by Chelsea’s desire to commit men in attack. His excellent ball set up Alvaro Morata’s goal
David Luiz: 7
Made some important interceptions but like his defensive colleagues was completely overrun during the second half of the first period. Luiz remained disciplined but still needs to convince playing in a back four. He still brought the ball out from the back with typical class when he could.
Antonio Rudiger: 7
Solid and dependable and a typical no-nonsense display.
Marcos Alonso: 8
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Had his work cut out in his own half but was a constant threat to Arsenal’s ragged backline and arrived in the box with trademark timing to grab the winner.
N’Golo Kante: 8
Kante made the most of the attacking freedom he has been given under boss Maurizio Sarri and could easily have had a hat-trick with a bit more quality in front of goal. He should have scored with a second-half header but, his finishing apart, he was mightily impressive.
Jorginho: 8
He bossed things as Chelsea started magnificently, dictating play and showing his vision, passing range and awareness. The Italy international’s fine pass set up the opening goal and he remained a huge influence throughout.
Ross Barkley: 7
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Another impressive display from Barkley, whose mobility, creativity and willingness to run at defenders from central areas made him a danger. He was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet, notably with a fizzing low strike that was well saved by ex-Blues keeper Petr Cech.
Pedro: 7
Busy and effective and the scorer of a fine goal, Pedro was a key player in Chelsea’s impressive attacking display without ever quite showing his very best form.
Alvaro Morata: 6
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He took his goal brilliantly, running with pace and purpose and proving a neat finish after cutting inside following Azpilicueta’s long pass. Question marks remain over his ability to hold the ball up and he was guilty of being to weak in possession at times.
Willian: 6
Guilty of waiting for the ball to come to him in the build up to Arsenal’s second goal, Willian looked lively but, like Pedro, was not at his most effective.
Eden Hazard: 8
The Belgian made an instant impact after coming on, dominating the ball and causing havoc for the Arsenal defence. His run set up Alonso’s winner and he looked sharp, dangerous and near to full fitness. He will surely thrive in Sarri’s system.
Mateo Kovacic: 7
An encouraging debut from the Croatian who, along with Hazard, turned the game strongly back in Chelsea’s favour after coming on. Looked instantly at home and retained possession with ease while probing and teasing the Gunners’ defence.
Olivier Giroud: 6
Almost scored with an injury-time strike and made his presence felt during a decent late cameo against his former club.
