Arsenal couldn’t quite break down Chelsea’s bus that the Blues parked at the Emirates Stadium today, as the soon to be Champions showed why we dislike them so very much. The Gunners performance was spirited but ultimately not enough- here’s how our team performed.
David Ospina: 6
Was lucky not to concede a penalty for taking out Oscar- but that could have bumped his rating in truth! Didn’t have too much to do, denied Ramires and Didier Drogba showing good, strong hands. Will have tougher days.
Hector Bellerin: 8
Was superb in his battle with Eden Hazard, had the Belgian in his pocket. Resilient in defence and powerful going forwards but his final ball lacked. Also headed Oscar’s chip off the line in the first-half.
Per Mertesacker: 7
Solid at the back, especially in the air, and showed that you need not be wary. Ball fell to him when Courtois flapped a corner away and he struck well wide- wouldn’t have expected him to find the net though.
Laurent Koscielny: 6
Rarely tested but was caught out in the first-half by Fabregas ball over the top, which resulted in the Ospina spear incident.
Nacho Monreal: 8
Was a real threat to Chelsea down the left-hand side, especially late on. Gifted Danny Welbeck a chance that couldn’t be taken.
Francis Coquelin: 8
Outshone PFA Team Of The Year midfielder Nemanja Matic, very strong. Was unfortunate to go into the book for a challenge on Hazard, with the Belgian going down easily. Chelsea attackers will be thankful they won’t face him again this season.
Santi Cazorla: 6
Quiet game for the Spaniard with his most notable participation being his shot that struck the arm of Gary Cahill. Dragged a poor effort wide in the second-half.
Aaron Ramsey: 7
Couple of great touches in the first-half showed the Welshman at his best. Controlled on the ball but out of position on the wing as he kept moving into the middle, perhaps restricting Arsenal’s width.
Mesut Ozil: 6
Will undoubtably be slated for a quiet game but was always going to be difficult to break down Chelsea. Linked up with Alexis Sanchez well, couldn’t find Giroud. Not the sort of game Ozil thrives in.
Alexis Sanchez: 6
Not at his best, despite moments of class and surges. Shot wide of the mark and couldn’t link-up with Giroud, also guilty of keeping the ball for too long at times.
Olivier Giroud: 5
Lowest rating out of the team today but far from his fault, as Gary Cahill and John Terry shadowed him throughout. The final ball couldn’t find the Frenchman in a difficult game for him.