Chelsea ratings: Timo Werner impresses yet again as Andreas Christensen suffers nightmare 45 minutes before being subbed
TIMO WERNER continued his fine run of form with another sensational display for Chelsea despite their 3-2 defeat to Arsenal.
But Andreas Christensen had an absolute shocker and was hauled off after 45 minutes in what could turn out to be his final game in a Chelsea shirt.
Here is how SunSport’s Dylan Terry saw the Chelsea team perform.
EDOUARD MENDY – 6
Made a smart stop with his feet to deny Gabriel in the first few minutes of the game.
The Smith Rowe goal looked at first glance as though it was a soft one to concede, but the replays showed it was a difficult one for Mendy to get across to.
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REECE JAMES – 6
Despite being a wingback by trade, James looked the most comfortable of Chelsea’s three centre-backs.
Proving to be the most versatile player in Tuchel’s squad, although is still probably most effective on the flank.
ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN – 3
Produced an absolute howler to gift Arsenal the lead inside a quarter of an hour, failing to get enough on his pass back to Mendy as Nketiah raced through to score.
Was hooked for Thiago Silva at half-time after a torrid 45 minutes. May well be the last we’ve seen of him in a Chelsea shirt as his contract expires in the summer and he is reportedly joining Barcelona.
MALANG SARR – 4
Was a guilty of rashly running out to meet Odegaard and allowing space in behind.
Had a shocking moment for Arsenal’s third goal as he was caught napping with Kante before Nketiah nipped in to score his second.
CESAR AZPILICUETA – 5
Was given a lot of trouble when Tavares, Smith Rowe and Nketiah smothered him on the left.
Got his goal at the other end and is clearly a valuable leader to a somewhat inexperienced back three, but failed to really provide the quality you expect to see from such a consummate professional.
Then gave a stupid penalty away in the dying seconds.
RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK – 7
Won the ball back smartly moments before Werner’s equaliser.
Seems to have a good understanding with Kante about when to stay and when to go. Impressed as much as a central midfielder of his ilk could do in a frantic game with very little structure or rhythm.
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N’GOLO KANTE – 5
Looked at his sharpest and most energetic best in the early stages as he recovered possession several times when the Gunners attempted to break.
But then seemed to lose his way in the match somewhat. Odegaard found the space around him and was able to dictate Arsenal’s attacks as Kante played catch-up.
Was criminally caught ball watching when Nketiah burst in to score.
MARCOS ALONSO – 5
Much better going forward than going back the other way.
Saka had him beat all ends up on numerous occasions and Sarr was forced to cover the space Alonso was leaving for the England international to run into.
Not his finest evening, but still offered his usual attacking threat.
MASON MOUNT – 7
Provided a delicious cross for Azpilicueta’s equaliser and constantly panicked the Arsenal shape with his movement in between the lines.
His passing range really is something to behold but he did fade as the match wore on.
ROMELU LUKAKU – 5
Was definitely the quietest member of the Chelsea attack.
Linked up well with Werner and Mount on a couple of occasions but still seems to be lacking the sharpness and confidence that he signed with.
Was hooked for Kai Havertz in the second half after another difficult evening.
TIMO WERNER – 8
The so often frustrated German finally enjoyed some luck in front of goal as his deflected shot crawled in beyond the despairing dive of Ramsdale.
Looked a constant threat all evening with his pace and directness on the left-hand side. Also gave Arsenal nightmares with his energy through the middle. A huge fan favourite among the Blues faithful and you can see why.
The goals and assists are now beginning to add to his already impressive all-round displays.
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THIAGO SILVA – 6
Looked a lot more assured than Christensen but still couldn’t provide Chelsea with the focus and shape to keep a clean sheet in the second half.
KAI HAVERTZ – 6
Offered more than Lukaku as he dropped into midfield to link the play, but still didn’t have much more joy in the final third.
HAKIM ZIYECH – 6
Had very little impact when he came on as Chelsea chased an equaliser.