Chelsea vs Arsenal player ratings

Arsenal put the top 4 players back on track with a superb 4-2 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.

After a frantic opening 45 minutes, the two teams returned to a draw in a thrilling game of neutrality but that left both teams’ fans hiding behind the sofa. Eddie Nketiah opened the scoring after gifting the ball from Andreas Christensen in the opening minutes, but the lead lasted only moments as Timo Werner saw his shot off Aaron Ramsdale.

In a match that was more comprehensive than many expected, Arsenal reclaimed the lead thanks to a gentle finishing touch from Emile Smith Rowe, but once again the hosts tied them up again with a similarly rude effort from Azpilicueta.

The second half started with a lot less frenzy, but in a chaotic manner in the game, Arsenal took the lead for the third time, with Nketiah grouping through several challenges to get past Mendy in his second game.

Eddie Nktia makes the score 3-2 for Arsenal! ⚡

Arsenal in the lead for the third time! pic.twitter.com/vQh2IAGDhJ

Sky Sports Premier League (SkySportsPL) April 20 2022

With Chelsea seeking a draw, Bukayo Saka was fouled inside the area by Azpilicueta, before the Arsenal star outdone himself to put the score beyond doubt into overtime.

Chelsea

Edward Mindy – 5

He couldn’t do much about any of the goals, but he did do some questionable work when pressed.

Rhys James – 5

It can’t affect the game the way it does that much. Nights will be better.

Andreas Christensen – 4

He made a blunder in the opening goal of the match, looking far from the pace. It was withdrawn half the time.

Malang Sar – 4

He struggled alongside Christensen in Chelsea’s defense. It shows just how much the Blues will miss Rudiger if he doesn’t stay after this summer.

Cesar Azpilicueta – 5

He appeared in the six-yard area to score his team’s second goal, but was guilty of being dirty at the back and received a late penalty.

Marcos Alonso – 5

Not the first to struggle against Bukayo Saka this season, he couldn’t impact the match in the final third as he would have liked. It was withdrawn late.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 6

Riding for most of the first half, the midfielder couldn’t make his mark on the match because it was flying from one end to the other.

N’Golo Kanti – 6

As usual he himself is busy, to no avail. I felt that Kovacic and Jorginho were missed.

Mason Mountain – 6

In his 100th Premier League appearance for the Blues, Mount looked dangerous for most of the match and provided an assist for his team’s second goal.

Romelu Lukaku – 4

He was booed as he was taken off an hour later, at the Goals Fest it was another empty for Chelsea’s record signing.

Timo Werner – 7

He equalized the scoring moments after Nketiah’s opening match and looked dangerous against Rob Holding. He faded as the match went on but he’s always a threat.

Subs:

Thiago Silva – 5

He wasn’t able to stop Nkita from taking a second but brought some much needed calm for the occasion.

Kai Havertz – 5

He wasn’t able to grab a much-needed tie.

Hakim Ziyech – N / A

He came late in the piece and touched the ball with difficulty.

Arsenal

Aaron Ramsdale – 5

He missed an early corner kick and would feel he could have done Werner’s goal better. He was quick off his streak to eliminate danger in the second half.

Ben White – 5

He seemed out of place at times as he played at right-back and caught the ball to finish second at Arsenal. Nights were better.

Gabriel – 7

He kicked a corner kick from the goal line in the first minutes and was rarely missed. The lead in Arsenal’s defense.

Rob Holdings – 5

He looked rusty in the first minutes but fought back during the match on his first league appearance since January. As usual, he later excelled his appearance on the wall with effort.

Holding has won 4/5 duels so far. That’s what he’s on the team for. Sometimes you have to accept the sacrifices that come with that.

– James Benge (@jamesbenge) April 20 2022

Nuno Tavares – 5

Once again he looked good out of his depth in the first half, but settled in as the second half went on. Still a weak point in Mikel Arteta’s defense.

Granite Shaka – 8

Nutmeg showed on the edge of his team’s penalty area for the second goal, the confidence of the Swiss international at the present time. He was excellent in midfield.

Mohamed Elneny- 7

He came at the start of the season only for the second time in the league and was the usual toughness.

Bukayo Saka – 7

He beat Marcos Alonso repeatedly throughout the match, stopping the penalty shootout demons at Euro 2020 with a certain penalty kick.

Emile Smith Rowe – 7

He provided a fine touch for the second goal midway through the first half of this chaotic match. Flashes of brilliance from the young man but could not translate into other contributions.

Martin Odegaard – 8

Turning the show for the Gunners in the first half, his head was calm in a chaotic game. He continues to prove a signing deal for the club.

Eddie Nketia – 9

The opening target was delivered on a board but make sure you don’t waste that to start the blow. His second goal was equally fortunate, but just what he needed as he ended Arsenal’s drought in front of goal.

Subs:

Gabriel Martinelli – 6

It was full of run-down but it came with the Gunners’ decision to close the shop, and as a result received little service.

Cedric – 4

She came to help see the game and she did, but she missed a couple of great opportunities to calm the nerves and put the game to bed.

Lacazette – N / A

Came in overtime.

What the experts said

2 – Eddie Nketia is the first Arsenal player to score a brace against Chelsea in the Premier League since October 2011, when Robin van Persie scored a hat-trick. Pay off. pic.twitter.com/FSQD69UQmV

– OptaJoe (OptaJoe) April 20 2022

Eddie Nketiah match in numbers against Chelsea (70 minutes):

Interventions are 100% won
37 touches
7 duels won
5 shots
3/4 aerial duels won
2 recover the ball
2 goals

Arsenal match winner? 📞 pic.twitter.com/kGPQTJvNUp

– StatmanDave April 20 2022

I think this first watch or so provided a true reminder of the quality and capabilities of Emile Smith Rowe.

– gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) April 20 2022

What the fans said

We played a lot better than I thought. We deserve to get to the level at the very least. I can’t help but think the game is there to win it.

– FK ☕️ (@fkhanage) April 20 2022

Nketiah has as many open play goals today as Laka all season

– Rehnato April 20 2022

Tavares won’t get any help obviously, but a pass to Nketia for both of his goals.

– Dan Critchlow (@afcDW) April 20 2022

• who is this
• Christensen
• he walked
• Alonso
• Kanti
• Lukaku

Beyond the poor of them all.

– Alex Goldberg (@AlexGoldberg_) April 20 2022

It wasn’t good tonight. #CFC

– Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) April 20 2022

what you missed

Is a storm brewing?

Christensen did not sit between the bench or the Chelsea staff after he was substituted.

– Nizaar Kinsella April 20 2022

Read more:

Emile Smith Rowe scored an outstanding goal in the first half against Chelsea

Thomas Tuchel issues fitness update on Antonio Rudiger ahead of West Ham game

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