ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS VS CHELSEA AS RICE OUTSTANDING AND HAVERTZ HAUNTS OLD CLUB

David Raya: Surprisingly busy given the scoreline. In the first half made some smart saves to keep out Jackson and the deflection off Gabriel. Stayed switched on in the second period too. 7

Ben White: Two in a game?! The first one is well taken, for the second one he looks as surprised as anybody. Fully deserved for Ben White for his brilliant and consistent attacking play all season. 9.

William Saliba: Lost a foot race to Jackson in the first half that could have been a problem for Arsenal. Not quite at his most impressive but the superb attacking display let him off. 6.

Gabriel: More composed than his centre back partner. Largely dealt very well with Jackson. His going down with an injury late on will be a big concern. 7.

Takehiro Tomiyasu: Fit to start this game after missing out at Wolves. Looked really good. Impressive on the ball and solid as ever in his one-vs-one defending. 8.

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Thomas Partey: Gave Rice the freedom to get forward at will. Impressive in the build up and defensively. A sign of what Arsenal might have missed with his injuries this season. 8.

Declan Rice: Set the tone from beginning with his superb forward running. Looked like he was really enjoying himself in the more advanced role tonight. A performance full of the energy he's maybe been lacking in recent weeks. 9.

Martin Odegaard: That pass to Havertz for his first goal has got to be assist of the season! Another really impressive display from the Norwegian who keeps putting a shift in for the team. 9.

Bukayo Saka: No goal, but a great all-round display from Saka. After a good early battle with Cucurella he eventually won out comfortably and terrorised the Chelsea defence at will. 8.

Kai Havertz: So frustrating for the early part of the match, but rewarded for his persistence with his two goals. Looked to really enjoy himself at a stadium where he has truly found a home. 9.

Leandro Trossard: Another crucial goal at this stage of the season to get the ball rolling for Arsenal on the night. Some nice touches after that from one of the Gunners' most consistent performers at the moment. 8.

SUBSTITUTES -

Gabriel Martinelli: Another energetic cameo after doing OK off the bench against Wolves. Could have added a goal and looks a player who needs one right now. 7.

Gabriel Jesus: Could have rivalled Odegaard for assist of the season if Rice had stayed onside and been a better finisher. A nice connecting performance from the Brazilian. 7.

Oleksandr Zinchenko: Defended diligently and shared a nice moment with the fans at the Clock End after helping Gabriel usher a Chelsea attack out of play. 7

Jorginho: A steady presence after replacing Partey against his old club. Wonder if he's slipped a little down in the pecking order now though. 6.

Fabio Vieira: Came on too late to influence the game. n/a.

2024-04-23T21:11:48Z dg43tfdfdgfd