Arsenal participant scores vs Chelsea: David Raya good however three 5/10s battle
Arsenal took a huge step towards the Premier League title with a 2-1 win over Chelsea at the Emirates but Mikel Arteta’s side had to dig in as a couple of key players struggled
Jurrien Timber won the game for the Gunners(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal moved one step nearer to their first Premier League crown since 2004 with a determined victory over Chelsea. Ultimately, it was David Raya who shone brightest, with the goalkeeper bailing out Arsenal on multiple occasions.
It proved a nervy opening period from the visitors, who allowed pressure to build upon themselves and found it difficult to maintain attacks when regaining possession. The breakthrough for Arsenal came in characteristic style, when Gabriel flicked the ball across for William Saliba to nod home from close quarters.
Chelsea appeared toothless for the majority of the half, until stoppage time, when a curling Reece James delivery caught a touch off Piero Hincapie en route to the net. But Jurrien Timber won the match in the second half via another corner. Here, the Daily Star Sport rates the Arsenal stars.
David Raya – 8 Proved the sole barrier protecting the Arsenal defence during the increasingly menacing Chelsea set-pieces. Delivered a magnificent stop from the Rice deflection, and controlled his box with outstanding authority.
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Jurrien Timber – 7 Right place, right time? Or a perfectly judged run into the penalty box? Regardless, the Dutchman proved decisive from Arsenal’s second set piece strike of the match and what a moment it may turn out to be.
William Saliba – 7 Received official recognition for the opener, despite it taking a significant deflection off a Chelsea defender on its journey through. The Frenchman faced a tough challenge, but alongside his defensive partner Gabriel, managed proceedings quite effectively.
Gabriel – 7 Had to raise the tempo slightly when Liam Delap entered from the substitutes’ bench and made his presence felt. But it proved a fairly straightforward afternoon for the Brazil international, who again contributed from Arsenal’s set-pieces.
Piero Hincapie – 5 Found himself at fault for the Chelsea leveller, as his wayward attempt to clear the ball directed it beyond David Raya. Faced a challenging task handling the visitors’ right flank, but maintained his position and repelled the Chelsea dangers.
Martin Zubimendi – 6 Placed his goalkeeper under excessive pressure with an unnecessary backpass that might easily have resulted in a goal during the first half.
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Declan Rice – 6 Fortunate not to have conceded a penalty when the ball struck his arm from a corner moments before Chelsea drew level at 1-1. Made amends with a brilliant cross for the Timber goal, but it was hardly an assured display from the typically dependable holding midfielder.
Bukayo Saka – 6 Would it be reasonable to suggest the normally brilliant Englishman has disappointed for some time now? His displays have certainly not been substandard, but Arsenal could genuinely benefit from their talisman exerting greater influence in these significant encounters, particularly as the pressure starts to mount. Some pleasing moments, but no genuine standout contribution.
Eberechi Eze – 6 Lacked the time or space that he relished against relegation-battling Spurs previously.
Leandro Trossard – 5 Made it far too straightforward for James to handle defensively throughout the evening, and permitted the Chelsea defender to venture into dangerous areas further forward. Tripped over his own feet when presented with possession in the attacking third and was predictably withdrawn before the hour mark.
Viktor Gyokeres – 5 Following the euphoria of the North London derby, the Swede came tumbling back to reality against Arsenal’s London neighbours. Drifted around but contributed nothing from an offensive perspective. Managed just one effort during the 75 minutes he spent on the pitch.
Substitutes:
Gabriel Martinelli – 7 Far more influential than his colleague on the right wing, and it was the winger’s tireless sprint that prompted Neto into the challenge that earned him his marching orders.
