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

Arsenal Manager and Substitutes Ratings

Manager: Mikel Arteta – 0.0

I don’t ever give zeroes, unless they’re entirely warranted. Chelsea threatened down the right flank throughout the first half, and Arteta did nothing to stop them, despite the “tactical plan” he referenced multiple times approaching the game. He should have deployed a back-three, and he did not, but even after a shambolic first half, he changed nothing. To an extent, his hands were tied, but that’s not an excuse when he had the personnel available to stop the Blues’ attack. Too stubborn, and it’s cost him badly.

SUB: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 6.0

Decent cameo, if I’m honest. Managed a better shot than anybody bar Rob Holding, and looked to test Chelsea with his pace. Despite his recent return from Covid, he looked at pace, though he had next-to-zero influence on the game. Hopefully a good sign of things to come.

SUB: Nuno Tavares – 5.0

Looked quite good, and in a dream world, would have started at left wingback. I enjoyed his tidiness in possession, and his athleticism. Actually closed Reece James down quite well. Decent.

SUB: Folarin Balogun – 5.0

Ran a lot. Shame to see him come on, given the injury to Martinelli.