Arsenal managed to beat Chelsea without really getting out of second gear (Image: GETTY)
returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a narrow but convincing win over a poor side at the Emirates Stadium. The hosts looked comfortable throughout the match and held onto Mikel Merino’s early goal with relative ease to claim all three points. They were on top from the first whistle and deservedly took the lead when the Spaniard leapt highest and headed in from a corner.
A few more goals could have followed before the break, with Robert Sanchez all over the place for the Blues, but nothing stuck and went in at the interval with a slender advantage. It was more of the same in the second half, with the Gunners dominating and failing to create anything of note. In spite of their superiority, they failed to add to their lead but got away with it by keeping a well-earned clean sheet.
Express Sport brings you the player ratings from today’s victory…
Mikel Merino rose highest from a corner to give the Gunners an early lead (Image: GETTY)
Arsenal player ratings vs Chelsea
David Raya – 6
As ever, was heavily involved in building attacks from the back and distributed well enough. Got away with one when he failed to claim Marc Cucurella’s volley, which rolled narrowly wide of the post, but otherwise did okay.
Jurrien Timber – 8
Had a solid game, making things happen with the ball and tracking back to defend in equal measure. Looked assured in possession, helping to maintain control of the match, and made the right runs at the right times. Good stuff.
William Saliba – 7
Did his defensive duties well enough with struggling to create chances in the absence of . Was more than equal to everything thrown at him, though, and helped to keep a clean sheet.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7
As above, wasn’t called into action too often but did his job when needed. Used his physicality to stop the occasional attack and helped to keep things moving with the accuracy of his passing. Booked in the second half.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8
Looked lively from the start, bombing down his flank to contribute at both ends of the pitch. Had no trouble keeping Jadon Sancho in his pocket until the man was hooked in the second half. Another good display.
Thomas Partey – 6
Kept things ticking in the middle of the park with some tidy, if basic, passing. Gave away several free-kicks with clumsy challenges and was eventually booked for a lunge on Enzo Fernandez.
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Declan Rice – 6
Nearly found the bottom corner from range with an ambitious early strike. Did the basics well enough in midfield without setting the world alight. Not bad.
Martin Odegaard – 7
Swung in the corner which led to the winning goal. Was involved at the heart of ‘s attacking play, dropping deep to pick up the ball when required. Seemed hesitant to shoot at times when it would have been a better option than trying to pass.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7
Caused problems with his strong, direct running and link-up play. Could give a real selection headache if he can find an extra gear. Ethan Nwaneri has been crying out for starts but more joy for Martinelli could keep the teenager on the bench.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Struggled to impact the game in the way he would have liked. Tried hard to make things happen but found himself lacking an end product. Not his worst display but plenty of room for improvement.
Mikel Merino – 7
Scored a brilliant header from a tight angle to give the early lead they deserved. Led the line well enough, bringing others into play on a regular basis. Seems to be settling into his makeshift striker role quite nicely.
Substitutes
Ethan Nwaneri – 6
Came on for the last 12 minutes in place of Martinelli. Made a nuisance of himself in the final third, working hard in an attempt to make things happen.
– n/a
A late addition, replacing Martin Odegaard in the closing stages.