N’Golo Kante had a disappointing game while Callum Hudson-Odoi impressed as Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw by local rivals Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea took the lead in the 28th minute through a Jorginho penalty, after former Blues’ defender David Luiz fouled Tammy Abraham in the box, which got him sent off. They were pegged back by the Gunners around the hour mark though, as Gabriel Martinelli scored a brilliant solo goal to make it 1-1.
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta restored their lead in the 84th minute, stabbing home from close range, only to see his opposite number Hector Bellerin level things up minutes later, as both teams ended up sharing the spoils.
The points are shared.#CHEARS pic.twitter.com/FHoupPgBcV
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 21, 2020
Frank Lampard’s men will be disappointed with the outcome, having failed to beat a ten-man Arsenal side and here’s how we rated the performances of the Chelsea stars;
Kepa Arrizabalaga: 4/10
Did not have a lot to do in terms of saves in the first period, but put his teammates under pressure at times with poor passing from the back. Could not stop Martinelli when in a one-on-one situation and was slow to react to Bellerin’s strike late on.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 7/10
The Chelsea captain had his hands full going up against the lively Martinelli, but defended fairly well for most of the game. Did not offer much going forward in the first half, but was more proactive in the second period and almost won it for his team with a goal, which he took confidently.
Andreas Christensen: 5/10
Having put in a solid couple of displays over the last week, the Danish defender failed to build on it against Arsenal. Looked nervy on the night and wasn’t all too comfortable when in possession. Booked for hacking down Alexandre Lacazette with a poor challenge.
Antonio Rudiger: 6/10
Had a pretty decent game even though his team ended up conceding twice on the night. Fairly solid for most of the match and was a big presence in Arsenal’s penalty box during set-piece situations of which Chelsea had plenty.
Emerson Palmieri: 4/10
Was given the run-around by Nicolas Pepe in the early stages and got booked for a poor challenge on the Arsenal man within twenty minutes. Allowed Martinelli to run past him for Arsenal’s first goal and could not catch up to him. Failed to close down Bellerin, allowing him time to cut inside and score from his left foot.
N’Golo Kante: 4/10
A rare poor outing from the diminutive Frenchman. Started off well, breaking up play effectively in a couple of dangerous moments. However, his use of the ball left a lot to be desired. Things went south for Kante after the break, as he unfortunately slipped on the halfway line, allowing Martinelli a free run at Kepa’s goal. Taken off soon after as Chelsea pressed for a winner.
Jorginho: 6/10
Another calm and composed penalty that put Chelsea ahead in the first half. Played some crisp passes throughout, although at times he tended to slow things down when he could have upped the tempo against a side that were a man down.
Mateo Kovacic: 5/10
Back into the starting XI after sitting out the last two matches, the Croatian did not have the best of days on the field. Seemed to be lacking the sharpness to cause problems to the Gunners’ backline, while he came off a tad too slow and ponderous when in possession. Taken off for Ross Barkley soon after Arsenal equalized.
Callum Hudson-Odoi: 8/10
Easily the brightest Chelsea player on the field, Callum Hudson-Odoi put in one of his best displays of the season so far. Constantly had the beating of Bukayo Saka in the first half and created a number of chances, while striking the crossbar himself and forcing Bernd Leno into a save with another effort.
Quieter after the break, although got the assist for Azpilicueta’s goal and created another fine chance for Michy Batshuayi late on, which the Belgian missed.
Tammy Abraham: 6/10
A lively presence on the field, Abraham drew a straightforward save from Leno in the first period with a headed effort. Went on to win the penalty leading to the opener, after pouncing on Shkodran Mustafi’s error and rounding off Leno. Impact tapered off after the break, but was industrious nevertheless.
Willian: 5/10
A blunt, ineffective display from the Chelsea No. 10, who got into good positions on a number of occasions but failed to make it count. Did draw a save from Leno, but apart from that did very little of note.
Substitutes
Ross Barkley: 6/10
Thrown on for Kovacic in the 66th minute. Played some good passes and came close to scoring with a header, only to be denied by a fine save from Bernd Leno.
Mason Mount: 5/10
Came on in place of Kante in the 69th minute. Added very little in terms of creativity.
Michy Batshuayi: N/A
Replaced Willian for the final ten minutes. Had a great chance to win it for Chelsea late on, but failed to take it.
