Chelsea player ratings vs Arsenal: Reece James shines in midfield as Moises Caicedo lets side down | OneFootball

Blues eked out a draw against league leaders

A gritty London derby had an extra edge once Moises Caicedo was sent off in the first half for a studs-up challenge on Mikel Merino.

But it was Chelsea who took the lead at Stamford Bridge against the league leaders when Trevoh Chalobah headed home from a corner.

However, Merino levelled things up for Arsenal, with Chelsea holding on to claim a 1-1 draw that keeps them third in the Premier League.

Robert Sanchez 7

Made a fine stop to deny Gabriel Martinelli before half-time. Displayed good distribution.

Malo Gusto 7

Did a good job at right-back, where he was up to the defensive task but also provided an attacking outlet going forward.

Wesley Fofana 7

Irritated Enzo Maresca by playing the ball backwards to Sanchez under no pressure at one point. Was otherwise solid and his fitness and availability is a bonus right now for the Blues. Lots of tackles and interceptions.

Trevoh Chalobah 8

Took a whack to the cheekbone from Piero Hincapie in the first half but did not let the frustration that the Ecuadorian was not sent off blow over. Scored the opening goal with a cultured front-post header from a corner.

Marc Cucurella 7

Stuck to the task of keeping Bukayo Saka quiet well, despite an early booking. His only lapse came when he allowed Saka the half a yard he needed to cross for Merino’s leveller.

Moises Caicedo 3

Was fired up and his typical tough-tackling self until an overzealous challenge on Merino saw his yellow card upgraded to a red and the midfielder sent off, making Chelsea’s tough task harder.

Reece James 9

Was the best player on the pitch and the decision by Maresca to use him in midfield well and truly paid off. Was everywhere, balanced attack and defence superbly, and assisted the opener.

Dynamic duo: Trevoh Chalobah and Reece James

REUTERS

Estevao Willian 6

Plenty of running and had two chances, of which he missed both, before being the victim of a team-mates red card not for the first time - replaced at half-time by Alejandro Garnacho.

Enzo Fernandez 7

Knew this was a huge occasion and brought fight and bite to the game, as well as calming things down with good game management. Some nice balls forward.

Pedro Neto 7

Chelsea’s chief ball-carrier, just as against Barcelona. No goals or assists but plenty useful.

Joao Pedro 6

Had one or two half-sniffs of goal without ever getting that one presentable opportunity. Replaced early in the second half.

Substitutes:

Alejandro Garnacho (Estevao, 46’) 5

Relatively anonymous for the 45 minutes in which he was on.

Liam Delap (Joao Pedro, 54’) 5

Tried to hold the ball up and put pressure on Arsenal’s inexperienced centre-back pairing, but it didn’t quite happen for the 22-year-old.

Not used: Jorgesen, Acheampong, Tosin, Badiashile, Santos, Palmer, Gittens