Chelsea vs Arsenal

2-2

Even though it was another away game at the top 6 without a win for the Gunners, the manner in which we got the draw seemed as if it was so much more than that, in terms of reviving this season and putting a run together in order to get European football next time out. Fight and passion combined with immense work rate was displayed for the whole 90 minutes, making Gooners all around the world proud of how we played last night.

In the opening 20 minutes, Chelsea were dominating the ball which was to be expected, with Callum Hudson-Odoi looking dangerous at times, coming close with a cross come shot that clipped the crossbar. Arsenal couldn’t get any momentum going in attack as the Blues pressed high and forced them into giving possession away and eventually their pressure told. In the 26th minute, what appeared to be a routine pass back to Leno, turned into a nightmare for Arsenal as Mustafi under hit the ball gifting Tammy Abraham a glorious opportunity as he took the ball around Leno with the goal gaping. Ex Chelsea defender David Luiz tried his best to stop Abraham from rolling it into an empty net and in the process tripped him up, leading to a red card and a penalty. The penalty was coolly dispatched by Jorginho and it was looking like one of them days for Arsenal. Towards the end of the half, the Gunners managed to steady the ship, with Granit Xhaka looking very assured in his new centre half role and ended the half with more possession along with some confidence to take into the second half.

During the first 10 minutes of the second half, Chelsea looked dominant in terms of possession again, but were unable to capitalise on their extra man advantage which gave Arsenal hope that they could recover the situation. Then, in the 63rd minute a defensive clearance from a Chelsea corner saw Martinelli latch onto the ball and drive at the heart of the Blues defence, causing last man Kante to slip at the feet of the young Brazilian, allowing him to take the ball a whole 70 yards and slot it past the hopeless Kepa. Chelsea knew they were in a game and were trying to push for a winner, however Arsenal looked comfortable, until a late cross was met by Azpilicueta where he made no mistake to give the Blues the lead. The game appeared to be dead and buried, but Arsenal came back up the other end, with captain for the night Bellerin who tried an audacious effort with his left foot from outside the box, which rolled into the bottom corner and tied the game up. It was a fitting return into the side for Bellerin who has had a tough last 12 months and put in an unbelievable display. In the end the points were shared at the Bridge, with Arsenal the more happy of the two sides.

Player Ratings

Bernd Leno

Made some good saves throughout, especially from Barkley in the second half. Couldn’t do anything about the penalty or the second goal. 7/10

Hector Bellerin

Great return to the side, looked assured defensively, made good tackles and interceptions throughout. Got forward well and scored a beautiful goal! Real captains performance. 8.5/10

Shkodran Mustafi

Made another costly mistake, shouldn’t be getting anywhere near the starting 11. Credit to him for the way he played after the mistake as he defended well and got the assist for the equaliser. 4/10

David Luiz

Wasn’t playing badly before the sending off, looked comfortable. Easy for people to say that he should have let Abraham score, however a true professional would never just allow the opposition to score. Not his fault for the sending off, going to be a miss for the next three games. 6/10

Bukayo Saka

Another massive display from this youngster, caused Chelsea problems down that side, linking up with Martinelli really well. Battled for the whole game and defended well. 8/10

Lucas Torreira

Covered a lot of ground to suppress Chelsea attacks, won the ball back well and tried to find our attacking players. Showed a lot of heart in the middle of the pitch. 7/10

Granit Xhaka

Slotted seamlessly into centre back and had an excellent game. Made a lot of vital blocks and tackles while having to hold this make shift back four together. Showed what a good leader he can be. 8/10

Mesut Özil

A real off night for the German, as he looked lazy and uninterested in the ball most of the game. Didn’t create much when he did have it. Ceballos must be knocking on the door for an opportunity at some point. 5/10

Nicolas Pepe

Started well and caused Emerson problems all night which lead to him being booked. Provided a much needed outlet when in possession and was tidy throughout. 7/10

Gabriel Martinelli

Relentless work rate, tracking ball at all times and ending up deeper than Saka in parts. Unbelievable goal, slotted it away with confidence, he is going to be some player. My MOTM. 9/10

Alexandre Lacazette

Had to sit so deep due to the red card and hassled the Chelsea defence all night. Did a vital job for us, as he provided a creative spark for the wingers. Thought he had ended his goal drought but was offside. 7/10

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James Humphreys