Chelsea Player Ratings: Wes Fofana Stands Strong Amid Arsenal's Two Goals, While Cole Palmer Struggles to Make an Impact
CHELSEA suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season as Arsenal came from behind to win 2-1 at the Emirates. handed Xabi Alonso’s side a dream star...
CHELSEA suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season as Arsenal came from behind to win 2-1 at the Emirates.
handed Xabi Alonso’s side a dream start by firing the Blues ahead after just 77 seconds.
Chelsea lost 2-1 to Arsenal today Credit: Alamy Live News.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard scored the winner Credit: Arsenal FC via Getty Images
But former star hit back before half-time to drag the champions level.
And completed the turnaround after the break to condemn to derby defeat.
EMI MARTINEZ – 5
Took a kick in the head, made two good saves then failed badly to stop Havertz’s equaliser in an eventful first half. Excellent second-half stop from to keep his team in a game which was running away from them.
JOSH ACHEAMPONG – 5
Acquitted himself pretty well in first half but let Tzolis come inside too easily in move for Arsenal’s second goal. Kept his head up, though, and dug in to help prevent grabbing a third. Will keep improving.
MAXENCE LACROIX – 5
Poor first touch early on and often looked hesitant and slow as Arsenal poured forward. Is yet to bring his form to his new club. The Blues missed presence and passing.
WESLEY FOFANA – 7
Commanding first-half performance of blocks, headers and tackles to keep the Gunners at bay. Undone by a brilliant Havertz dummy for Arsenal’s second but still his team’s most consistent performer across the game..
Wesley Fofana had an excellent game despite conceding two goals Credit: Arsenal FC via Getty Images
PEDRO NETO – 6
Mostly sound defensively. Offered a good outlet out wide, only to be guilty of poor crosses, although he did hit the post with decent first-half effort. Lacking in end product in second half, too, but OK overall.
ROMEO LAVIA – 6
Looked good in the first half – strong, confident (sometimes a bit too much) and snapped into tackles to stop Chelsea being pinned back. Upset to be taken off on the hour but had faded noticeably to hand the initiative to Arsenal.
REECE JAMES – 7
Did his calm best alongside feisty Lavia to stem home tide as they stood up to Rice and Lewis-Skelly. Tested Raya with a decent shot and came back into the game when Gusto was introduced.
JORREL HATO – 6
Involved in opening goal but otherwise had a lot to do in defence, with mixed results as Arsenal reached the byline frequently. Did keep Bukayo Saka fairly quiet but replaced as hosts took control early in the second half..
COLE PALMER – 4
Contributed little in the first half apart from one shot and penetrating pass, then yellow card for cynical foul on Havertz. Got on ball a bit more in the second half but still could not make things happen.
Cole Palmer was bullied out the game Credit: Matt Impey/Shutterstock
MORGAN ROGERS – 6
Early volley was not his best, but good enough to beat . Offered other flashes but another to fade in second half when poor first touch ruined promising break. Frustration after Rice foul led to booking.
JOAO PEDRO – 5
Worked hard as ever, but unable to fashion an opening for himself or others.. Silly first-half booking for kicking the ball away forced him to hold back. Chasing shadows for much of second half.
SUBS
PEP CHAVARRIA (for Hato, 60) – 6
Helped stiffen Chelsea as Arsenal were looking ominously close to a third. Offered a bit more going forward than Hato had, although not all the Dutchman’s fault.
MALO GUSTO (for Lavia, 60) – 6
Immediately had a sight of goal but fired over. Brought some more energy to a midfield which was flagging but not enough to force an equaliser.
ESTEVAO (for Neto, 81) – 6
Came on as right winger as Blues chased game, and forced a superb save from Raya in the 89th minute. Should have come on earlier.
DANNY WELBECK (for Rogers, 87) – 5
Applauded on to the pitch by Arsenal fans, who will be just as pleased he was unable to make much impact.