Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal: Player ratings from comeback draw at Stamford Bridge

The spoils were shared after a very eventful game at Stamford Bridge as Arsenal recovered from a 2-0 deficit to remain unbeaten to start the league season.

Mikel Arteta’s men went a goal down after Cole Palmer converted a penalty given from a William Saliba handball. The Gunners had been woeful up until then, and though the penalty was harsh, Chelsea deserved their lead.

The first half was one of the worst in recent times under Arteta. There was no fluid play, teammates could not find each other, and a few players looked nervy, to say the least.

Chelsea went 2-0 up straight after half-time thanks to a cross-turned-wonder goal from Mykhailo Mudryk. David Raya was caught in the wrong position, putting Chelsea in the driving seat as they were up 2-0.

Arteta made a few substitutes, including Takehiro Tomiyasu, who put in a very good performance both offensively and defensively, but the game seemed to be running away from Arsenal. Chelsea was controlling the midfield and looked comfortable until Declan Rice jumped on Robert Sánchez’s pass, and he hit his curling first time as Sánchez looked on, away from his line.

Suddenly, Arsenal was just a goal behind. Raya sent a long ball that eventually found its way to Bukayo Saka. Arsenal’s star boy curled in a cross that Leandro Trossard pounced on beautifully, rifling it past Sánchez from very close range.

In the end, the result was the most positive aspect of Arsenal’s performance today, but the unbeaten streak continues.

Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal player ratings

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their 2-2 draw with Chelsea.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) – 2.5/10 – He was very poor today. He was at fault for the Mudryk goal and struggled massively with distribution. He almost gave another goal away to Cole Palmer but recovered well. Ramsdale must surely start next week.

Ben White (RB) – 5/10 – Not a terrible showing from White, but far from his best. Offered a bit going forward and was fine defensively, although he did get beat once or twice.

William Saliba (CB) – 4/10 – The Frenchman’s worst performance in an Arsenal shirt this season. Gave away the penalty unluckily but was uncharacteristically nervy, slicing the ball on clearances. He was still decent enough but considerably below his usual level.

Gabriel (CB) – 5/10 – Not to blame for the goals, did well when needed but also a bit off it at times.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – 3/10 – He played poorly defensively and had poor distribution, picking up an early yellow card. Unable to exert any kind of control, he was deservedly substituted at halftime. The Ukrainian will remember this game for the wrong reasons.

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