Arsenal player ratings vs Chelsea as Saka and Nketiah star

How the Gunners and Nketiah got on individually in their Premier League clash with Thomas Tuchel’s side at Stamford Bridge.

Aaron Ramsdale: Could maybe have been a little more commanding to come for the cross for the second but that’s probably nit picking. Could do little about the deflected first goal and swept up well when needed. 6.

Ben White: Probably went down too easy in the build up to Azpilicueta’s goal, but dealt well with Chelsea’s threat down the left when moved over to play right back. 6.

Rob Holding: Looked very nervous on the ball in his first Premier League start since January and struggled particularly after Arsenal switched to a back four. Recovered in the second half though and did OK when asked to do his more specialist subject of defending in a deep block. 5.

Gabriel: Couldn’t really do much about either goal, both of which came down the other side. Decent when Arsenal dropped deep to hold what they had in the second half. 6.

Nuno Tavares: A good display from the Portuguese full back who is getting his confidence back. Stepped up nicely to intercept in the build up to the third and looked more comfortable defending as a wing back. A few too many wild shots at the end though. 6.

Mohamed Elneny: A really solid display from the Egyptian who protected the defence well on just his second start of the season. Nothing spectacular but that’s not what he was in the side for. Done his chances of starting against United no harm. 7.

Granit Xhaka: Showed tremendous composure to dribble out from the back in the build up to the second goal but probably could have done more to block Werner’s shot. Was sensible in possession during the second half though. 7.

Martin Odegaard: Captain for the night and looked like Arsenal’s technical leader once again. Created plenty of chances and could be seen constantly marshalling his team through tough times in the second half. 7.

Bukayo Saka: Had Marcos Alonso on toast throughout the game and was probably Arsenal’s most consistent creative presence on the night. Showed his versatility by operating in more than one position across the evening too. A real heartwarming moment to see him smash home a stoppage time penalty to exorcise the demons of the summer as well. 9.

Eddie Nketiah: A topsy-turvy display that really encompassed this crazy encounter. At fault with poor link up play for Chelsea’s first, but at his proper goal-poaching best for his two strikes on the night. 8.

Emile Smith Rowe: Made his goal look easy when it was really anything but. The England international has looked a little sluggish at times recently, but after netting against Chelsea he appeared to have a real spring in his step. 8.

Substitutes –

Gabriel Martinelli: Came on as a centre forward and was lively, nearly scoring immediately after coming on. Interesting to see him used as a striker rather than a winger where his pace did cause Chelsea some problems. 7.

Cedric: Came on late and had the chance to set up a fourth that would have sealed the game but put in an directionless delivery. 5.

Alexandre Lacazette: Came on too late to influence the game. n/a.

Read Also: How lack of experience led to Arsenal’s loss Vs Southampton

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