CHELSEA suffered a setback to their top four hopes after a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
Emile Smith Rowe pounced on a catastrophic error from Jorginho to score the only goal of the game as Chelsea knocked on the door but failed to find a breakthrough.
But who was Chelsea’s best player on the night? And did anyone have a game to forget against the Gunners?
Here, Simon Phillips delivers his Chelsea player ratings…
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 7
Did well to scramble back and almost spare Jorginho’s blushes after his horror backpass in the first half.
Could do nothing to prevent Smith Rowe ultimately finding the back of the net.
Didn’t have much more to do apart from that but looked composed.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 8
Was trying hard to get Chelsea back into the game with lung-bursting forward like a right full back most of the game, despite playing in the Blues’ back three.
Looked disappointed with those around him not turning it on today.
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Thiago Silva – 8
Looked frustrated at the lack of composure from those around him as he continued to be his usual calm and composed self.
Decent game as always from him.
Kurt Zouma – 7
Strong game from Zouma.
Good contribution going forward and didn’t put a foot wrong at the back.
Reece James – 7
He was the only real threat from Chelsea’s attack in the first half.
Tried hard to make something happen and get Chelsea back in the game.
Jorginho – 4
There is no excuse for his awful back pass to Kepa that almost went in his own goal and lead to Arsenal scoring, he didn’t even look up to see where Kepa was.
His head dropped after this and he was very poor.
Billy Gilmour – 8
One of the few real bright sparks for Chelsea in the first half at least, and his energy and athleticism was much needed in the middle of the park for Chelsea.
Very harshly taken off at half time.
Ben Chilwell – 6
He was largely a spectator in the first half, as much as he was trying his best to make something happen in attack.
Linked up well with Mason Mount down the left when given the opportunity.
Improved a bit in the second half, but could not affect anything.
Christian Pulisic – 6
Some very neat close touches helping Chelsea keep possession, and his pace was always useful.
But he largely couldn’t do much to affect the game and missed a golden chance to level.
Mason Mount – 7
As much as he put in 100 per cent effort and tried to score and assist for Chelsea, even he struggled to breakdown a stubborn and congested Arsenal defence.
Certainly one of the brighter attackers.
Kai Havertz – 6
Not the type of game for him really, with Arsenal parking the bus at the back and keeping a congested penalty box, there was barely any room for Havertz to work his magic.
He did manage to work two penalty appeals, both ignored by VAR.
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Callum Hudson-Odoi for Gilmour (HT) – 5
Had very little impact, kept losing the ball in important attacks and could not make anything happen.
Olivier Giroud for Havertz (64 mins) – 5
Looked rusty, as you might imagine after not really playing for the last three months.
Hakim Ziyech for Azpilicueta (77 mins) – N/A
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
