Chelsea player ratings vs Arsenal: Pedro Neto steps up as Moises Caicedo and Marc Cucurella impress – but Robert Sanchez still looks way below Blues’ standard

Chelsea had the best of the early chances, as David Raya was forced to tip over Cole Palmer’s 20-yard drive before Malo Gusto headed off-target from close range after Pedro Neto delivered an inch-perfect cross. Arsenal began to create opportunities of their own, however, as Gabriel Martinelli was denied by Robert Sanchez before Kai Havertz had a goal ruled out for offside.

The Gunners eventually broke the deadlock midway through the second half when the ball fell for Martinelli in acres of space at the far side of the box and the Brazilian beat Sanchez at his near post. The lead didn’t last long, however, as Neto equalised with a powerful effort from 25 yards after cutting in from the right.

Both teams pushed for a winner, but neither could find the net for a second time, meaning leaders Liverpool sit nine points clear of both sides heading into the last international break of 2024.

GOAL rates Chelsea’s players from Stamford Bridge…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Robert Sanchez (4/10):

  Stood up well to deny Martinelli in the first half, but should never have been beaten at his near post for the Brazilian’s opener. Still doesn’t inspire confidence.

  Malo Gusto (7/10):

  Had to get through a lot of work as he defended well against Martinelli before drifting into central areas when Chelsea had possession. Spoiled a good performance with his missed header in the first half.

  Wesley Fofana (7/10):

  Led the Blues’ backline well and even carried the ball out of defence to get involved in some attacks.

  Levi Colwill (6/10):

  Played a couple of good line-breaking passes but an early booking inhibited him defensively. Played Martinelli onside for the opener, too.

  Marc Cucurella (8/10):

  Returned to the Premier League lineup and barely gave Saka a sniff with some excellent one-on-one defending.

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    Midfield

    Moises Caicedo (8/10):

    Showed the full range of his passing ability, especially in the first half, while he was a physical presence in midfield when out of possession.

    Romeo Lavia (5/10):

    Solid if unspectacular in the middle of the park. Plenty there to work with, though.

    Cole Palmer (5/10):

    Tested Raya early on and showed a couple of nice touches, but couldn’t get on the ball often enough for Chelsea’s liking. Set-pieces were poor, too.
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    Attack

    Noni Madueke (6/10):

    Grew into the game as it wore on, and swung in a couple of dangerous crosses, but he couldn’t produce a moment of magic.

    Nicolas Jackson (5/10):

    Gave the ball away on a number of occasions early on but began to cause problems with his physicality and direct dribbling. Never got a sight of goal, however.

    Pedro Neto (8/10):

    Involved in a running battle with White for long periods, and his superb cross should have led to a goal when Gusto headed over. Levelled matters with a stunning strike after switching to the right midway through the second half.

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    Subs & Manager

    Enzo Fernandez (6/10):

    Picked up the assist for Neto’s equaliser and was neat and tidy in midfield.

    Mykhailo Mudryk (5/10):

    Couldn’t impact the game as Maresca would have wanted after chucking him for the final quarter.

    Reece James (N/A):

    Replaced Gusto for the final 10 minutes.

    Christopher Nkunku (N/A):

    Thrown on for the final knockings.

    Enzo Maresca (7/10):

    Decision to play Cucurella over James certainly helped his side defensively, while switching Neto’s flanks paid immediate dividends. Still work to do, but the Blues are moving in the right direction.