Enzo Maresca's barely laid a glove on the Gunners as they missed the chance to bolster their place in the Premier League's top four
Chelsea were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal in a dismal London derby on Sunday as they struggled to create anything of note in attack without star man Cole Palmer, who missed out through injury.
The Gunners were dominant throughout the opening 20 minutes, and it was Mikel Merino who found the breakthrough, flicking a header beyond Robert Sanchez from Martin Odegaard's corner, as both Reece James and Christopher Nkunku failed to mark the Spaniard properly.
Wesley Fofana survived a VAR check for a red card shortly after, as officials considered whether he had stamped on Declan Rice; they were satisfied that there was no force behind the challenge, so he stayed on the pitch.
On 36 minutes, Marc Cucurella volleyed a tame effort at goal, but David Raya failed to claim the ball, as it instead squirmed through his hands. That it slipped just wide of the post leaves the Spaniard indebted to good fortune for keeping his clean sheet.
Merino had the best chance of the second half but Sanchez produced a fine save to deny him in a 45-minute period that was largely devoid of incident, but high on niggly fouls and poor turnovers. Chelsea were largely blunt throughout, with their forwards failing to gel, and their defence appearing jittery on what was not a good day for Enzo Maresca's side.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from the Emirates Stadium…
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Robert Sanchez (5/10):
Started his day with a terrible giveaway, but Martinelli could not capitalise. Terrible positioning for Merino's header, as he got nowhere near it. Flapped at just about everything, but did make a good save from Merino in the second half.
Wesley Fofana (4/10):
Perhaps fortunate not to receive a card for his stamp on Rice. Was eventually booked in a hot-headed display that could have ended early.
Benoit Badiashile (5/10):
Looked as uncomfortable as Colwill against Arsenal's press, but took care of the ball when he could.
Levi Colwill (5/10):
Booked for a reckless scissor tackle on Trossard. Put his body on the line, but his accuracy wasn't there when he stepped out.
Marc Cucurella (6/10):
Tried to buy a free-kick in the box early on but the ref waved play on, and he only just survived a subsequent handball check. Unlucky not to score and was the most effective Blues defender.
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Reece James (5/10):
Inadvertently pushed Nkunku out of the way when he was marking Merino at the set-piece he scored from. Looked more like a right-back playing out of position than a midfielder.
Enzo Fernandez (5/10):
Ostensibly played as the 10 without Palmer, but had nothing like the same impact. He's more industrious than anything else, and his lack of finesse showed in the more advanced role. Did what he could, but just doesn't carry Palmer's threat.
Moises Caicedo (6/10):
Did well defensively, mopping up here and there, but was slightly overwhelmed in the first half. Grew into it.
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Jadon Sancho (3/10):
One dribble and not a lot else. Well marshalled by Arsenal's backline before his substitution. Another disappointing display.
Pedro Neto (2/10):
Has nothing like the required presence to play up front for Chelsea, especially in a game like this. It passed him by.
Christopher Nkunku (3/10):
Outmatched by Merino at corners and was outjumped by him too. Barely had any impact in the final third as Chelsea's build-up was all too stunted. Yet to find his role in this team.
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Tyrique George (N/A):
On for Sancho. Didn't have time to make an impact.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (N/A):
On for Nkunku.
Romeo Lavia (N/A):
Replaced James.
Malo Gusto (N/A):
A late introduction.
Tosin Adarabioyo (N/A):
Came on late.
Enzo Maresca (4/10):
Waited far too long to make any changes, and none of his subs could impact the game, as Chelsea huffed and puffed throughoutq while failing to create any chances of note. Without Palmer, they looked far too blunt. A worrying performance; they might be accused of being a one-man team, and it wouldn't be without merit.
