Player ratings as Timber inspires Arsenal to season-defining London derby win | OneFootball

Arsenal secured a hard-fought 2-1 home win over Chelsea on Sunday afternoon to re-establish a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

With Manchester City beating Leeds United yesterday, Arsenal had to win to bolster their title chances.

Mikel Arteta’s side couldn’t have hoped for a better start, as William Saliba fired them 1-0 ahead in the 21st minute.

However, Chelsea levelled the score on the cusp of half-time, with Piero Hincapie accidentally heading the ball into his own net after Reece James’ superb cross.

Arsenal failed to create many opportunities at the start of the second half, but they restored their lead in the 66th minute from another corner kick.

Unmarked in the six-yard box, Jurrien Timber turned home Declan Rice’s cross.

When Pedro Neto received his second yellow card in the 70th minute, it became almost impossible for Chelsea to come back.

Liam Rosenior’s side had two huge chances in stoppage time, but Arsenal claimed all three points.

Arsenal (4-2-3-1)

David Raya (8/10) – There was little he could do to stop Hincapie’s wayward header, but he made an impressive save to save the day right at the death.

Jurrien Timber (8/10) – Often struggled to contend with Cole Palmer. Offered nothing in the final third until hitting the net with that decisive header. From zero to hero.

William Saliba (8/10) – It wasn’t another day in the office for the Frenchman, even though he slotted home a trademark header to open the scoring.

Gabriel Magalhaes (8/10) – Never troubled by Pedro, the Brazilian delivered another commanding display at the heart of Arsenal’s defence. Dominant in the air and composed in possession.

Piero Hincapie (5/10) – That own goal probably best summed up his game. Disjointed performance from the makeshift left-back.

Declan Rice (8/10) – His set-piece deliveries often unsettled Chelsea’s backline, creating havoc inside the opponent’s box.

Martin Zubimendi (6/10) – Failed to live up to his high standard, barely influencing proceedings on both ends of the pitch.

Bukayo Saka (6/10) – Relatively quiet in the opening hour, the star winger struggled to impose himself on the contest and rarely found the space needed to stretch the defence.

Eberechi Eze (6/10) – Not even remotely close to his match-winning performance against Tottenham. Had very little impact on Arsenal’s build-up play.

Leandro Trossard (5/10) – Arteta’s decision to take him off ten minutes into the second half perhaps best illustrated the diminutive forward’s underwhelming display.

Viktor Gyokeres (6/10) – Spent most of the game completely cut off from the rest of the pack. Tried to make something happen when the ball did reach him, but found himself crowded out.

Substitutes

Gabriel Martinelli 7/10

Kai Havertz 4/10

Christian Norgaard 4/10

Chelsea

Robert Sanchez (6/10) – Caught in no man’s land for Arsenal’s second, his faint foul claim did not fool anyone. Another miserable game for the Spaniard.

Reece James (8/10) – His teasing delivery led to Chelsea’s equaliser. Completely neutralised Trossard.

Mamadou Sarr (4/10) – A lack of regular first-team football was evident, as he looked short of sharpness. Unable to keep up with the game’s pace.

Trevoh Chalobah (7/10) – Much more reliable than his centre-back colleague, the Blues academy graduate made numerous vital interceptions.

Jorrel Hato (6/10) – Defensively solid, the former Ajax defender excelled against the likes of Saka. However, it took a toll on his attacking contribution.

Andrey Santos (5/10) – Nearly anonymous for most of the game. Rosenior should have subbed him off sooner.

Moises Caicedo (6/10) – His work rate was as commendable as ever. However, he was disappointing when asked to orchestrate the play.

Pedro Neto (2/10) – Nothing went his way this afternoon, and he made a mindless tackle on Martinelli when he was on a yellow card.

Enzo Fernandez (6/10) – Pulled all the strings in attack, but it wasn’t enough to create a single goalscoring chance.

Cole Palmer (5/10) – One of his least impressive performances since returning from injury. Rarely troubled Arsenal’s defence.

Joao Pedro (5/10) – Invisible for most of the first half. Almost scored minutes after the break. Too lackadaisical for this type of clash.

Substitutes

Liam Delap 5/10