Arsenal players rated from their draw against Chelsea

Arsenal v Chelsea - Premier League
Jack Wilshere celebrates his goal against Chelsea

Hector Bellerin's stunning strike in stoppage time helped Arsenal salvage a draw against Chelsea in an entertaining game of football at the Emirates. It was a game either side could have won had they taken their chances as both keepers were tested. One of the most entertaining derbies in recent times, this game had everything; excitement, goals, drama, controversial decisions.

Arsenal took the lead through a thunderous strike from Jack Wilshere who scored his first goal in Premier League football since May 2015. Chelsea equalised from the penalty spot minutes later and Marcus Alonso gave them the lead with 6 minutes remaining on the clock.

Arsenal showed good spirit late in the game though and fullback Hector Bellerin scored a stunning side-footed half-volley into the top-right to earn Arsenal a point.

A draw won't do Arsenal any good, but considering they were staring at a loss, the fans will take the draw. Here's how the Arsenal players fared in the stalemate.


Petr Cech - 7

Cech made some fine saves. He made a double save from Hazard and Alonso in the first half and denied Morata and Bakayoko from scoring in what were clear-cut chances.

Hector Bellerin - 7

Hector Bellerin's stoppage-time goal saved Arsenal the blushes. He was a constant threat on the right using his pace well and keeping Alonso in check. He needs to improve on his defending skills though as his unnecessary challenge on Hazard inside the box lead to a penalty and a shift in momentum.

Calum Chambers - 6

Chambers started the game poorly and was one of Arsenal's worst players against the Blues. His error led to a goal-scoring chance for Morata in the first half which the Spaniard failed to capitalise on.

Shkodran Mustafi - 7

With Arsenal playing with a makeshift back 3, he needed to raise his game and was decent at the centre. Arsenal's back-line never looked confident enough as has been the case all season. Bakayoko made runs through the centre and Mustafi was unable to track those.

Rob Holding - 7

Playing on the left, Holding made a strong case for himself. He was involved in the build-up play which led to Wilshere's goal. He was lucky not to get booked for a challenge on Morata, though.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles - 7

Niles played his best game for Arsenal so far. Playing as a left wing-back in place of the injured Sead Kolasinac, he dominated Moses on the left-hand side. He was superb on the left and his link-up play with Ozil and Sanchez was a joy to watch. He was also good in defending with some last ditch tackles and blocks. He could have been much stronger against Zappacosta which led to the second goal, though, and needs to sort his positioning out. This performance would be a huge confidence booster for the young lad.

Grant Xhaka - 5

Arguably the worst player for Arsenal on the pitch. Xhaka's passing has been sloppy this season and has given away possession too many times to the opposition, either by losing the ball from his own feet or directly passing to the opposition. The same was seen against Chelsea as well. Xhaka needs to be dropped and given a reality check as he looks too casual when he plays.

Jack Wilshere - 7

Scoring his first goal for over more than 2 years in the Premier League, Wilshere gave the Arsenal the lead at the Emirates. Involved in a rash tackle on Fabregas which earned him a yellow card, he was lucky not to be sent off for a dive. He needs to be consistent enough if he has to be included in the England squad for the World Cup.

Alexis Sanchez - 8

His performances have improved in recent weeks and he was constantly trying to create chances for his side. He was pretty unlucky not to have scored when his shot, saved by Courtois, ricocheted of both the posts. Sanchez was constantly on the move, exchanging passes with Ozil as well as Maitland-Niles.

Mesut Ozil - 9

Arsenal v Chelsea - Premier League
Mesut Ozil in action against Chelsea

Man of the Match for Arsenal in yesterday's game, Ozil started in his preferred No.10 position. He was a treat to watch in the first half, finding Lacazette and Sanchez at will with his slick passing. His performance dipped a little when Arsenal conceded their first goal but that was a period of play where the whole team was shocked and switch off for a while.

Alexandre Lacazette - 6

Lacazette had a lack-lustre performance by his standards. He failed to convert two good chances for the home side, one in which he took a lot of time to sort his feet. That, in turn, helped Courtois to close the angle down. Lacazette was good off the ball, making runs and closing the opposition down as well but he was eventually replaced by Danny Welbeck.


Substitutes

Danny Welbeck - 6

Welbeck came on for Lacazette with 10 minutes remaining but failed to make an impact in the game. He was shifted wide as Sanchez played as the lone striker.

Theo Walcott - N/A

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Edited by Amit Mishra
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