Arsenal Player Ratings: Lukaku scores as Gunners fall 2-0 to rampant Blues

By Mac Johnson | Aug 22, 2021

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Romelu Lukaku of Chelsea shoots whilst under pressure from Pablo Mari of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on August 22, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 22: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on August 22, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 22: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on August 22, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Arsenal Midfielders Ratings

CM: Albert Sambi Lokonga – 6.0

Man of the Match. Dragged out of the centre to cover for Pepe’s defensive ineptitude, and was made to cover for a rather errant Granit Xhaka as well. Looked very tidy in possession, but played about six different roles the way only Thomas Partey can do. His passing, though, was something to behold, especially in the second half.

CM: Granit Xhaka – 4.0

Really unfortunate performance from Xhaka. Got caught between left-back and central midfield too many times, and was ineffectual defensively. Managed to get caught too high when Chelsea transitioned, and did nothing to stop the constant balls into Lukaku’s feet. Rough.

AM: Emile Smith Rowe – 6.0

Constantly positive in transition, and was tidy on the ball, but simply did not receive the ball enough to be useful to the team. That said, he didn’t do anything particularly wrong, which can’t be said for most of the squad. Occupied Chelsea’s midfielders as best he could; another baffling 2-on-1 assignment.