ARSENAL put in their best performance of the Premier League season so far as they blew away Chelsea at the Emirates.
The 3-1 scoreline flatters the Blues somewhat as the North Londoners could have scored at least three more on another day.
Mikel Arteta’s side have won their first Premier League game since November 1Credit: PA:Press Association
Alexandre Lacazette opened the scoring from the penalty spot, before Granit Xhaka expertly found the top corner from a free-kick.
Bukayo Saka then put the home side three up in the second half to wrap up Arsenal’s first three points since November 1.
But there was still time for Arsenal to panic as Tammy Abraham scored late on, before Jorginho failed to convert his spot-kick.
Here’s how Jake Lambourne rated and slated the Gunners…
Bernd Leno – 7
Didn’t have a save to make in the first half, however he was quick to react with crosses into the box.
Brilliant denied Jorginho from scoring from the spot in injury time.
Hector Bellerin – 6
The Spaniard never stopped looking to go forward and linked up well with Bukayo Saka down the right.
However the full-back is still too slow to get back into position and he looks suspect when a player is running towards him.
Bernd Leno expertly denied Jorginho from scoring a penalty at the deathCredit: Reuters
Rob Holding – 7
The Englishman stood up strong to the Chelsea attack and was quick to stifle out potential chances for the Blues.
His passing is still debatable, but you can never question his desire and commitment.
Pablo Mari – 5
Drafted in for Gabriel, the ex-Flamengo centre-back was handed an early yellow card for a brash challenge on Mateo Kovacic.
And he made a similar challenge to give away a late penalty in what could have potentially saw Arsenal give away a three-goal lead.
Kieran Tierney – 7
The Scottish left-back was always looking to be an outlet down the flanks and it was his mazy run that won his side a penalty.
His link-up play with Martinelli is something that will excite Gunners supporters.
Mohamed Elneny – 7
The Egyptian international grew into the game as it went on having gifted possession to Chelsea on more than one occasion.
And he almost scored his first Premier League goal, but his fierce drive cannoned off the woodwork.
Granit Xhaka found the back of the net with a superb curling free-kickCredit: Reuters
Granit Xhaka – 8
This performance is why the Swiss midfielder has been a starter under four managers at Arsenal.
His exquisite diagonal pass found Tierney that won the spot-kick, before he found the top corner with a beautiful free-kick.
Always looking for a forward pass, this is the exact performance that was needed after coming back from his suspension.
Emile Smith Rowe – 8
Handed a rare start, the youngster almost put the Gunners ahead, but he lost his footing when it looked like he was about to tap home from close range.
However he was a breath of fresh air in the final third, as unlike in recent matches, Arsenal actually had a midfielder looking to break the lines and occupy free space.
A brilliant performance from the former Huddersfield loanee, and you can be sure he will be handed plenty more opportunities in the coming weeks.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
A constant menace for the Chelsea defence as the Brazilian starlet failed to let them rest as he chased every loose ball.
Squandered an early chance to put the Gunners ahead but fans can forgive him thanks to his tireless work rate.
On another day he could have had a hat-trick, but no-one will be disappointed by his first start in the top-flight this season.
Bukayo Saka put in a man of the match display at the EmiratesCredit: Guardian News & Media / Free to use by all titles in perpetuity under NMC agreement
Bukayo Saka – 9
Deployed on the right wing, the England international showed his versatility as he caused Ben Chilwell a number of problems.
And he fully deserved his goal in the second half when he chipped Edouard Mendy from an acute angle just inside the box.
Saka also tirelessly tracked back to help out his defence to cover Bellerin who was often out of position.
Another emphatic performance from the youngster who has been one of the brightest sparks in an otherwise disappointing season so far for Arsenal.
Alexandre Lacazette – 7
Linked up with the youthful players surrounding him and held the ball up when needed to.
His cool penalty will do wonders for his confidence.
Alexandre Lacazette broke the deadlock from the penalty spot after Kieran Tierney was failedCredit: Reuters
SUBS
Joe Willock – 6
Rifled an effort over the bar from close range after linking up well with Saka.
However he made amends for the miss with a brilliant crunching challenge on Christian Pulisic.
Nicolas Pepe – 5
On for Martinelli, the Ivorian simply couldn’t replicate his team-mates work rate.
Shkodran Mustafi – 5
Came on to help ease the pressure, though he didn’t make any real impact.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
