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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Simon Collings

Arsenal player ratings vs Chelsea: Eddie Nketiah takes chance with Bukayo Saka really dangerous

Arsenal breathed life into their hopes of Champions League qualification by beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Mikel Arteta’s side came into the game off the back of three defeats in a row, but they pulled off a shock to defeat the Blues.

In an end-to-end first-half, Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe struck for Arsenal, but Timo Werner and Cesar Azpilicueta pegged them back on both occasions.

Arsenal, however, found a third in the second-half as Nketiah’s hard work saw him find the back of the net again, before Bukayo slotted a late penalty.

The win means Arsenal are now level on points with Tottenham, who are one place above them in fourth in the Premier League.

Simon Collings was at Stamford Bridge to see Arsenal in action...

Aaron Ramsdale 5

The first Chelsea goal took a deflection, but he will still be a little disappointed with it. Almost caught out in the second-half too when he spilled a cross.

Ben White 7

Probably the weakest of Arsenal’s back-three, but that is because sometimes it felt like he had two men to mark. Was occasionally sloppy in possession.

Rob Holding 8

Thrown in at the heart of defence and had a fairly solid game. Dealt well with Romelu Lukaku and, other than one dicey moment in the first-half, he was good.

Gabriel 7

Made a few vital clearances, particularly from set-pieces, and his height and strength came in handy. A better performance after a recent dip in form.

Bukayo Saka 8

Troubled defensively as he isn’t used to play right wing-back, but going forward he looked really dangerous. Gave Marcos Alonso lots of problems and cooly slotted a late penatly.

(Action Images via Reuters)

Mohamed Elneny 8

Given he hasn’t kicked a ball since New Year’s Day this was a very good performance from the midfielder. Started a bit shaky, but grew in confidence and worked non-stop in defence.

Granit Xhaka 7

Will be disappointed as the first Chelsea goal came via his deflection. Played a key role in Arsenal’s second, though, nutmegging players on his own box. Grew into the game.

Nuno 6

Will be frustrated with the second Chelsea goal as he allowed Azpilicueta to ghost in behind him to score. His pace caused problems in attack, though.

Martin Odegaard 7

Actually did a lot of his best work without the ball and worked tirelessly, diving into tackles. Was good in possession too and looked back to his usual self.

Eddie Nketiah 9 | Star man

Handed another chance to start as Alexandre Lacazette is not fully fit yet. Took his chance with both hands as he scored twice.

Emile Smith Rowe 8

Had a one of his best games for a while. Took his goal really well and looked a threat all night. Carried the ball well and caused problems.

Substitutions

Gabriel Martinelli (Nketiah 70’) 6

Brought on with 20 minutes to go and basically attacked as an extra defender, pressing the Chelsea defence.

Cedric (Smith Rowe 75’) N/A

Alexandre Lacazette (Saka 90’) N/A

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