Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring at Stamford Bridge (Picture: Getty Images)
There proved to be nothing between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon as they played out a 1-1 draw which lacked quality.
Neither team could find anything like their fluent best, struggling to create good chances, but there was no shortage of effort, with a bit of edge to the game as well.
The first half was not great, but the second was better, which is when the two goals were scored.
Gabriel Martinelli poked home at the back post on the hour-mark, before Pedro Neto scored an excellent equaliser 10 minutes later.
The Blues and the Gunners finish the weekend on 19 points, with Enzo Maresca’s side third and Mikel Arteta’s one spot lower than them.
Here’s how the players performed at Stamford Bridge…
Chelsea
Robert Sanchez – 5
Not very convincing in Chelsea’s playing out from the back and in question over Martinelli’s goal as he was beaten at the near post. Doesn’t really look like a top class goalkeeper. Did make a decent save from Martinelli in the first half, though.
Malo Gusto – 5
Malo Gusto really should have scored for Chelsea but sent his header over the bar (Picture: Getty Images)
Missed a brilliant chance with the game goalless as he headed over from close range after a Pedro Neto cross, hurting himself in the process, but he stayed on the field. Why Martinelli was unmarked for Arsenal’s opener was not clear, but Gusto may well be to blame.
Wesley Fofana – 7
Kai Havertz offered little up against Fofana with the Chelsea man solid at the back. Unexpectedly popped up on the end of a brilliant Madueke cross but could only stab an effort over.
Levi Colwill – 6
Levi Colwill was booked early at Stamford Bridge (Picture: Getty Images)
Looked unsettled early on after being booked just 21 minutes in and then caught in possession to hand Arsenal a brilliant chance, which they spurned. Recoverd and was perfectly steady over the rest of the game.
Marc Cucurella – 7
Picked up a yellow card for a poor challenge on Bukayo Saka, but his task was to keep the Arsenal winger quiet and that’s what he managed impressively for almost the entire contest.
Moises Caicedo – 6
A very combative presence in the middle of midfield, giving the returning Odegaard a whack early on to welcome him back from injury. Snaps into tackles, maybe a bit too much sometimes, but looks a nightmare to be up against.
Romeo Lavia – 6
The two teams largely cancelled each other out in the middle of the park, but Lavia stuck to his task well enough before being taken off on 68 minutes with an apparent injury.
Noni Madueke – 5
Moronically booked shortly before the interval for delaying a free-kick in Arsenal’s own half. Not a consistent threat at all, but put in a superb in-swinging cross on 52 minutes which could easily have resulted in a goal but Wesley Fofana poked the ball …read more
Source:: Metro
