MARC CUCURELLA was Chelsea’s star of the show in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal.
Enzo Maresca’s men survived late Gunners pressure to earn a hard-fought point that sees the Blues stay above their London rivals on goal difference.
GettyMarc Cucurella kept Bukayo Saka quiet[/caption]
GettyPedro Neto scored a brilliant equaliser[/caption]
GettyCole Palmer had a difficult day amid injury struggles[/caption]
Here is how SunSport rated the Chelsea players’ performances.
Robert Sanchez – 6
Still punches the ball clear when a catch would be much safer – and reassuring for the fans behind him.
Malo Gusto – 6
Went close with a header in the first-half. But was missing at right-back when Arsenal took the lead through Gabriel Martinelli’s 59th minute goal. The problem with also playing in midfield.
Wesley Fofana – 7
Strong challenges and now fully back from lengthy injury. Also went close to a goal in the second half when he pumped the ball just over.
Levi Colwill – 6
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Forging a partnership with Fofana at the heart of defence. Got caught dangerously in possession by Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard but recovered.
Marc Cucurella – 7
Cracking tussle with Bukayo Saka. Despite being one of only three men on the pitch wearing gloves, including the keepers, Chelsea’s left-back is a formidable defender.
Moises Caicedo – 6
Enjoying a run of form at the moment that includes last weekend’s volleyed equaliser at Manchester United. Strong tackler and smooth through the gears in midfield.
Romeo Lavia – 6
A surprise package keeping £107million Enzo Fernandez out of the team. After a terrible run of injuries is forming some consistency. But any twinge is a scare and came off in the 66th minute.
Noni Madueke – 6
Called up to the latest England squad and is mobile and nippy. Also stroppy and went straight down the tunnel when subbed in the 66th minute. Perhaps needed treatment.
Cole Palmer – 6
Maybe the sore knee is still troubling him. Only trained yesterday for the first time in almost a week. But it hampered his impact on a disjointed London derby.
Pedro Neto – 7
Starting to make his presence felt after being relegated to the Conference League matches. Stunning powerful drive for the equaliser and full of energy.
Nicolas Jackson – 6
Feisty and fiery but went to ground too easily to win a couple of free kicks when he could have done more damage on his feet. Gives everything though.
Subs:
Enzo Fernandez (Lavia 66 mins) – 5
Has a fight on his hands to prove himself to boss Maresca despite his enormous price tag.
Mykhailo Mudryk (Madueke 66 mins) – 5
Pace and determination but still questions over his quality at the highest level.
Christopher Nkunku (Jackson 87 mins) – 5
Last throw of the dice by Chelsea to snatch a victory.
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