BREAKING NEWS:“He was arguably our best player last night, he fired from all corners against and ensured we returned home with a point atleast”- Chelsea Defender Cucurella thanks sensational £76M star who saved him and was on fire last night against Arsenal
A frantic start to the match saw yellow cards handed out before a controversial moment helped hand the Blues the lead. VAR was called into action after Mykhailo Mudryk headed the ball in the direction of William Saliba’s arm. Not too much deliberation before referee Christopher Kavanagh pointed to the spot and Cole Palmer duly obliged.
The Blues went in at half time, the better side and with questions about how Arsenal would respond, came out and scored early in the second period. Conor Gallagher won the ball before dropping it off for Mykhailo Mudryk. The Ukraine international saw his cross drop into the net past David Raya.
Chelsea felt and looked in control despite Arsenal seeing more of the ball but errors from the west London side saw the Gunners mount a late comeback through Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard.
football.london looks at how Chelsea’s stars performed below.
Robert Sanchez – The Spaniard was not tested too often but didn’t look as secure as he often has. His distribution will again come under scrutiny as his pass found Declan Rice who took advantage to slot in the goal. 4.
Malo Gusto – Englaged in an intriguing battle with Gabriel Martinelli and came out the better overall but should have done so much better to guard against Leandro Trossard’s equaliser. 5.
Thiago Silva – The veteran put in some crucial challenges throughout the game, and played well on a yellow card.
Levi Colwill – The former Brighton and Huddersfield Town loanee delivered in defensive moments but struggled to acclimatise to the soaking pitch on the ball. 6.
Marc Cucurella – Defended on the front foot early in the game and looked well up for the battle with Bukayo Saka before perhaps getting a little too enthusiastic in his challenges. Composed himself and proved many doubters wrong against one of the biggest tests the league has to offer. 8.
Moises Caicedo – Has transformed Chelsea’s midfield since building up his fitness and once again provided a platform for his teammates. The Ecuador international’s movement ensures Chelsea are quick in transition on both sides of the ball. 7.
Enzo Fernandez – Showed some real control of the ball when others struggled in wet conditions. 7.
Conor Gallagher – Once again produced an impact in his high pressing and won the ball in the build up to Mykhailo Mudryk’s strike. Has been key to Chelsea’s resurgence. 8.
Cole Palmer – A busy start for the youngster paid off when coolly dispatched his second penalty in as many match. The former Man City youngster looks like he never wants to leave Chhelsea’s starting lineup and continues to show good control on the ball to not waste opportunities. 8.
Raheem Sterling – The winger grew into the opening half and left Arsenal in a position where they could do nothing but substitute Oleksandr Zinchenko. 7.
Mykhailo Mudryk – He may not have looked to the goal once before his strike, but it’s all about results and to come away with a goal and an assist against Arsenal is a good one.. Received a well-earned standing ovation from the Stamford Bridge crowd when he was replaced. 7.
Substitutes
Nicolas Jackson – Wasted a big chance seconds after entering the field and produced some good one-twos. 5.
Noni Madueke – Took to the left wing for his outing and showed flashes but had little opportunity to impress.
Reece James – Enjoyed a huge reception when he entered the field with just under 10 minutes remaining. Played a midfield role but had little time to make an impact.
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