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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Simon Collings

Arsenal player ratings vs Chelsea: Martin Odegaard back to his best as Gabriel Jesus shows up Aubameyang

Arsenal moved to the top of the Premier League by beating Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners took advantage of a poor first half by Chelsea to score three goals, with Martin Odegaard bagging a brace and Gabriel Jesus getting in on the act, too.

Arsenal dipped after the break and Chelsea pulled one back through Noni Madueke, but they could not mount a serious comeback.

The win means Arsenal are now two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, but Pep Guardiola’s side have two games in hand.

Simon Collings was at the Emirates to see Arsenal in action...

Aaron Ramsdale 6

Made a great save in the first half to deny Ben Chilwell when the left-back was clean through. Couldn’t quite get out quick enough to stop Madueke scoring.

Ben White 7

Struggled early on and got caught out of position a few times. Got better as the game went on and crossed the ball for Arsenal’s third goal.

Jakub Kiwior 6

Handed his full Premier League debut and couldn’t have asked for an easier game. Looked shaky early on but settled as he had so little to do.

Gabriel 6

Like Kiwior, he had an easy night’s work against a blunt Chelsea attack. Almost got on the scoresheet, but his header from a corner was cleared off the line. Went off injured late.

Oleksandr Zinchenko 6

Chelsea’s decision to sit deep played into the Ukranian’s hands and he was able to get on the ball a lot in the first half. Caught napping for Madueke’s goal, though.

Martin Odegaard 8 | Star player

Scored twice and looked back to his best after a dip in form. His first goal, in particular, was a brilliant finish. Given far too much time and space by Chelsea.

Jorginho 7

Brought into the side in place of Thomas Partey and justified his selection. Brought some control to Arsenal’s midfield and dictated the tempo well.

Granit Xhaka 8

Looked more like the player he was earlier this season as he pushed higher up the pitch. Set up the first two goals and had a hand in the third.

Bukayo Saka 6

Probably the quietest of Arsenal’s front three, which is not something you often say. Went close with one effort in the second half that was well saved by Kepa.

Gabriel Jesus 7

What a contrast between him and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Jesus was everywhere for Arsenal, dropping deep to build the play. Got on the scoresheet as well.

Leandro Trossard 7

The Belgian has been pushing for a start after some bright cameos off the bench. Did well tonight as he caused Cesar Azpilicueta problems.

Substitutions

Gabriel Martinelli (Trossard 59’) 5

Dropped to the bench. Struggled to get into the game and make an impact.

Kieran Tierney (Zinchenko 73’) 6

Put himself about and played like he had a point to prove.

Reiss Nelson (Saka 73’) 6

Really bright off the bench. Full of running and got at his opposite number.

Rob Holding (Gabriel 85’) N/A

Thomas Partey (Jorginho 85’) N/A

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