Chelsea and Arsenal fought out a 1-1 draw on Sunday evening at Stamford Bridge, with both teams walking away with a sense of dissatisfaction.
Also Read: EPL Match Report! Chelsea vs Arsenal Match Updates, News and Scores (10th November, 2024)
Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli gave his side the lead in the 60th minute, but Chelsea’s Pedro Neto responded late to secure the draw.
Both teams were hoping to climb into the top three after Nottingham Forest’s defeat earlier in the day, but neither was able to show the necessary quality to claim a higher spot.
In the first half, Chelsea had a goal ruled out by VAR, with Kai Havertz’s effort disallowed for offside after a quick free-kick by Declan Rice.
The match lacked real momentum until the 60th minute when Martinelli took advantage of a loose ball at the near post to beat Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. However, Chelsea responded with determination.
Pedro Neto, who had earlier sent a perfect cross to Malo Gusto, drilled the equalizer into the bottom corner, ensuring the game ended in a draw.
Chelsea Player Ratings:
Robert Sanchez (6/10): Sanchez had little to do for much of the game but was caught off-guard at his near post by Martinelli’s strike. He will be disappointed but can’t be faulted for the equalizer.
Malo Gusto (7/10): Gusto put in a solid performance, showing strength and composure in defense. His forward runs were also impressive, but he missed a golden opportunity when Neto’s cross met his head inside the six-yard box.
Wesley Fofana (7/10): Fofana was a calm and composed presence in defense, both in the air and on the ground. He dealt well with the pressure from Arsenal’s forwards and was the most reliable center-back for Chelsea.
Levi Colwill (6.5/10): Colwill had a shaky start, including a yellow card and a mistake that allowed Arsenal to press. However, he improved as the game went on and helped clean up after some of Cucurella’s defensive lapses.
Marc Cucurella (7/10): Cucurella put in a solid defensive shift, keeping Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka relatively quiet throughout the match. His positioning was mostly good, although he could have been more involved in attack.
Moises Caicedo (7/10): Caicedo was aggressive in midfield and made several key tackles, showing his combative nature. He was strong defensively and provided a good shield for Chelsea’s backline.
Romeo Lavia (7/10): Lavia was composed and confident in the midfield. He showed leadership and control, especially after his return from injury. He was crucial in Chelsea’s ability to manage the midfield battle.
Noni Madueke (7/10): Madueke was a constant threat on the right wing, using his pace and skill to create chances. He kept Arsenal’s defense on edge with his dribbling and was unlucky not to assist more.
Cole Palmer (6/10): Palmer struggled to make an impact in the first half, being largely invisible after an early effort. His performance lacked the spark needed against a big opponent, but he improved slightly in the second half.
Pedro Neto (8/10): Neto was Chelsea’s standout player. He delivered a great cross to Gusto early on and took matters into his own hands with a superb equalizer, showing impressive confidence and composure.
Nicolas Jackson (6/10): Jackson had a quiet game but contributed in other ways, helping to relieve pressure by winning fouls and moving the ball upfield. He will need to be more involved in future fixtures.
Enzo Fernandez (7/10): Fernandez came on and assisted in the build-up to the equalizer. He brought energy and control to midfield, helping Chelsea gain some momentum as they pushed for a goal.
Mykhailo Mudryk (6/10): Mudryk brought some much-needed energy late in the game, helping to hold possession and relieve defensive pressure. However, he wasn’t able to significantly change the game’s outcome.
Reece James (N/A): James’ cameo was too brief to provide an accurate rating. He didn’t have enough time to make an impact.
Christopher Nkunku (N/A): Nkunku also had limited time on the pitch but made a positive contribution when he got the ball late on.
Arsenal Player Ratings:
David Raya (6.5/10): Raya had a solid game, making an early save to deny Palmer. He was composed and brave, especially when coming off his line to deal with crosses. However, he couldn’t prevent the equalizer.
Ben White (7/10): White was a constant presence in both defense and attack. He made several crucial interceptions and ball recoveries, helping Arsenal maintain defensive solidity.
William Saliba (7/10): Saliba continued to perform at his usual high standard, commanding the defense and keeping Chelsea’s attackers in check. He was a rock at the back and dealt well with the pressure.
Gabriel (6/10): Gabriel was not at his best. He was caught out of position several times, playing too high up the pitch and leaving his defense exposed. He also allowed Chelsea to press on multiple occasions.
Jurrien Timber (5.5/10): Timber struggled against the pace of Neto, often caught out of position. His performance highlighted the difficulties Arsenal faced on the left side of defense, and Arteta might reassess his role in future matches.
Declan Rice (5.5/10): Rice had a poor game and struggled to make an impact in midfield. He was substituted early in the second half, a decision which was not surprising given his lack of influence on the game.
Thomas Partey (7/10): Partey was one of Arsenal’s best performers. He helped break up Chelsea’s attacks and was a key figure in midfield, displaying his defensive capabilities and distributing the ball effectively.
Martin Odegaard (7.5/10): Odegaard was quiet early on but came to life in the second half. He provided a brilliant assist for Martinelli’s opener and controlled the game more as the match progressed.
Bukayo Saka (5/10): Saka had a frustrating game, offering little to Arsenal’s attack. He struggled to make an impact, failing to complete dribbles or create chances, and was largely ineffective during his time on the pitch.
Kai Havertz (5.5/10): Havertz’s performance was disappointing after an early offside goal. He couldn’t make a significant difference, despite his determination to prove himself against his former team.
Gabriel Martinelli (6.5/10): Martinelli was lively and energetic, contributing the opening goal. However, he failed to show the consistency expected of him and didn’t offer much beyond that in a frustrating performance.
Leandro Trossard (5/10): Trossard missed a crucial chance late in the game and struggled to make any lasting impact. His performance was disappointing, as he had the opportunity to make up for Arsenal’s lack of sharpness.
Mikel Merino (7/10): Merino helped Arsenal regain some control in the midfield after his substitution, playing more confidently than Rice and helping to stabilize the team’s rhythm in the final stages of the match.
Gabriel Jesus (5.5/10): Jesus was ineffective during his time on the pitch, with Chelsea’s central defenders managing to neutralize him. He didn’t provide the spark needed to make a difference.
Player of the Match: Pedro Neto. The Portuguese winger had an influential performance, creating chances early on and scoring a well-taken equalizer. Neto has been one of Chelsea’s key players this season and showed his class with his equalizer.
