Arsenal player ratings vs Chelsea: Xhaka scores as the Gunners lose 2-1

Arsenal faced the blues of Chelsea in the opening fixture of the inaugural Mind series, as fans finally returned to the Emirates stadium. Though these matches are technically “friendlies,” Sunday’s encounter was anything but, with a number of rash and chippy challenges interrupting proceedings.

Arsenal dominated the early minutes, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Thomas Partey both making their marks on the game, but as the Gabonese faded and the Ghanaian went off injured yet again, Chelsea clawed their way back into the game.

The Blues opened their 2021 account with a brilliant Kai Havertz finish, caused by a lapse in concentration from multiple Arsenal defenders that left the German one-on-one with Bernd Leno, who made himself big but couldn’t do much else to stop it.

Granit Xhaka got one back with a lovely header off a corner, having placed one over the bar minutes previously, but it was soon cancelled out as Hector Bellerin gift-wrapped a goal for Tammy Abraham.

Arsenal player ratings vs Chelsea: Granit Xhaka scores as Mikel Arteta’s Gunners lose 2-1 in Mind Series match on Sunday

Joe Willock equalized with a thundering strike, but the ball, which came off the crossbar, flashed over the goal line and back out of the net, too fast for the hapless linesman to declare the shot a goal, and 2-1 it remained, despite Arsenal scoring. I’m not one to ever pin a game on the referees, but Andre Mariner was not in his finest form, and the linesmen had a rather poor outing as well.

In the end, a game of decent quality from both sides, and one that felt more competitive than initially expected. Not the greatest result, but if Arsenal continue to attack and press as they did today, we could be in for an excellent season.

Goalkeeper and Defenders

GK: Bernd Leno – 7.0

Nothing he could do for the Havertz goal, and should be having words with his defenders about how Chelsea’s best attackers got gift-wrapped a 2-on-1. Looked confident in the air and made a few lovely saves. Made a few passing mistakes but wasn’t punished for it.

RB: Calum Chambers – 6.0

In terms of a true fullback, Chambers is not it, but in his special inverted role he does tend to flatter. He was physical and technically as good as we’ve seen him. Crucially a bit slow at times, but a solid outing.

CB: Rob Holding – 4.5

He was a little sloppy in defense, grappling opponents rather than containing, but frustrated the daylights out of Hakim Ziyech. Caught way too far up the pitch for Chelsea’s opening goal, and then again five minutes later. Not his best haircut and not his best showing. Deservedly replaced by Ben White.

CB: Pablo Marí – 7.0

He looks to have gained a step. Visibly vocal, directing the team around. Made a number of key blocks and tackles, and was tidy in possession. Was also the only player back on a number of breakaways, and defended well in most of those.

LB: Kieran Tierney – 7.5

KT at his KT best. Chelsea preferred to attack down the Arsenal right, but on the few occasions they ventured over to the other side of the pitch, it didn’t work out for them. Played more like a left-winger at times.