Arsenal’s miserable start to the season continued as they were beaten 2-0 by Chelsea at Emirates Stadium.
Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to run the rule over Arsenal...
Couldn’t do much about either of the goals and then made a brilliant save late on to deny Romelu Lukaku. Seems ready to fight for his place.
Cedric Soares 4
Had a difficult afternoon after being given the nod over Calum Chambers. Played Reece James onside for Chelsea’s opening goal.
Rob Holding 5
Probably the best of Arsenal’s defenders, but not by much. He was helped by the fact Lukaku decided to sit on Mari all game instead of him. Missed a great chance around the hour mark.
Was quite simply bullied by Lukaku all game. An afternoon to forget for the Spaniard, who also struggled against Brentford last week.
One of his worst games for Arsenal. In fairness, he wasn’t given much help - but James did have a field day down his side.
Albert Sambi Lokonga 7
Probably Arsenal’s best player. Tried to get things going and kept demanding the ball. Promising signs going forward.
Granit Xhaka 5
Out shone by Lokonga alongside him. Couldn’t control the game and was overrun at times by Chelsea’s midfield.
Nicolas Pepe 5
Couple of nice moments in the first half, but didn’t make enough of an impact. Yet to click for him this season after a bright end to the last campaign.
Emile Smith Rowe 5
Couldn’t really get into the game other than a few darting runs. May find he is moved out wide now Martin Odegaard has joined.
Bukayo Saka 5
Looks like he is still getting back to full match sharpness after his time off post Euro 2020. A little rusty and taken off after an hour.
Gabriel Martinelli 4
Was anonymous for large parts of the game and barely had a kick. Arsenal sorely missed a focal point in attack.
Substitutions
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Xhaka 61’) 5
Managed to come off the bench and play 30 minutes after barely training all week.
Nuno Tavares (Tierney 66’) 5
Came on and put himself about. Looked lively going foward. Should start against West Brom on Wednesday.
Folarin Balogun (Martinelli 79’) N/A
Subs not used: Ramsdale, Chambers, Kolasinac, Maitland-Niles, Elneny, Nelson.
