Chelsea player ratings: Blues struggle in 1-0 defeat to Arsenal | OneFootball

Chelsea's wait for a first win over Arsenal since 2021 continues after a 1-0 defeat at the Emirates. Poor positioning from Robert Sánchez allowed Mikel Merino to glance in the only goal of the match from a Martin Ødegaard corner. Despite dominating possession in the second half, Chelsea failed to create anything meaningful and remain fourth in the table with 49 points.

The first half saw Chelsea on the back foot as Arsenal pressed aggressively and applied constant pressure. The hosts nearly capitalized early when a disastrous pass from Sánchez gifted the ball to Leandro Trossard, but the Belgian failed to make the most of it.

Arsenal's persistence soon paid off. Ødegaard’s well-delivered corner was flicked on by Merino, and with Sánchez nowhere near it, the ball found the back of the net to put the hosts ahead.

Chelsea had further scares due to Sánchez’s shaky performance, but Arsenal failed to take advantage. The Blues’ only real opening of the half came when David Raya spilled a first-time volley from Marc Cucurella, though Chelsea couldn’t capitalize. As the game progressed, Chelsea saw more of the ball, but it was the same slow, predictable possession play that has frustrated fans under Enzo Maresca. With no real attacking threat, the first half ended 1-0 to Arsenal.

Chelsea saw more of the ball in the second half but struggled to turn possession into clear-cut chances, a recurring issue in recent matches. The best opportunity of the half fell to Arsenal when Merino’s effort was saved on the goal line by Sánchez. The rest of the game drifted into a familiar pattern of ineffective passing, and with no breakthrough, Chelsea succumbed to a 1-0 defeat.

Chelsea Player Ratings (4-2-3-1)

Robert Sánchez – 4/10

A shaky start saw Sánchez gift possession to Leandro Trossard, though he went unpunished. His poor positioning allowed Mikel Merino to score from a corner, and he looked unconvincing throughout. He did, however, make a good save in the second half to deny Merino.

Wesley Fofana – 5.5/10

Fofana lost possession carelessly at times and was caught out defensively but did manage a few key blocks. He was booked for throwing the ball onto the pitch to disrupt an Arsenal throw.

Benoît Badiashile – 6/10

Bediashile had a sloppy pass early on and struggled against Gabriel Martinelli in the first half at times. He improved as the game progressed, keeping possession well and making a key tackle to stop Martinelli in the second half.

Levi Colwill – 6/10

The center-back gave the ball away a few times in the first half and picked up a booking. Otherwise, he remained composed and wasn’t tested much defensively.

Marc Cucurella – 6.5/10

Cucurella left space behind him at times but was solid defensively overall. He pushed forward when possible and nearly scored after David Raya spilled his shot.

Reece James – 6/10

An average outing for Chelsea's skipper. He tried to contribute to the attack but was ineffective in midfield. Chelsea could have benefited more from his energy on the right flank, where he played during their last win at the Emirates.

Moisés Caicedo – 6.5/10

Caicedo was strong in duels and won the ball multiple times but lacked attacking support. However, he struggled to make an impact going forward due to limited options ahead of him.

Christopher Nkunku – 5/10

Nkunku Showed glimpses of quality with his ball-carrying but ultimately had little influence on the game. A quiet performance from the Frenchman.

Enzo Fernández – 6/10

The World Cup winner took Chelsea’s first shot and worked tirelessly in midfield. However, he couldn’t break through Arsenal’s defense or provide the attacking spark needed, leading to visible frustration.

Jadon Sancho – 5/10

The winger had a rare bright moment when he evaded three Arsenal players but did little else. He struggled to make an impact and continues to underwhelm.

Pedro Neto – 6.5/10

Neto started quietly but grew into the game, particularly towards the end of the first half and into the second. He was booked for dissent. He had a few attempts but wasted two corners by hitting the first man. The Portugese International worked hard throughout.

Sub: Tyrique George – 5.5/10 (on 76' for Jadon Sancho)

The academy graduate tried to make an impact but had little influence.

Sub: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 5.5/10 (on 76' for Christopher Nkunku)

The midfielder looked to make driving runs but was well-contained by Arsenal’s defense.

Sub: Romeo Lavia – 5/10 (on 82' for Reece James)

The Belgian had minimal involvement in his limited time on the pitch.

Sub: Malo Gusto – 5.5/10 (on 86' for Wesley Fofana)

Gusto played mostly on the right but had too little time to impact the game.

Sub: Tosin Adarabioyo – 4.5/10 (on 86' for Benoît Badiashile)

Adarabioyo wasted possession twice with loose passes and had no time to influence.

Manager: Enzo Maresca – 4.5/10