Chelsea at Arsenal player ratings: First major preseason tune-up
Timo Werner (Right winger): 7/10
Werner looked a lot more comfortable on the ball than in the previous season. He didn’t enjoy a wildly successful debut campaign like many had hoped and that disappointment carried over to Euro 2020. Nevertheless, Werner had an indescribable confidence about him when he got onto the pitch for his first preseason start. He carried the ball with class on numerous occasions and Chelsea simply looked better when Werner got involved in the play. He provided the assist for Havertz’s brilliant opener and hit the side netting, as well, on the day. Overall, just about exactly what you’d want from Werner during his first 45′ of the season.
Kai Havertz (Center forward): 8.5/10
Havertz started out the game rather slow. The German wunderkind didn’t get many touches early on, but when he did manage to get on the ball, he made the most of his opportunities. Havertz fired the Blues ahead with a superb strike into the top right corner in the 26′. His movement up top was excellent as he managed to find space all across the front line and spread out the unorganized Gunners defense. Hopefully this performance was a sign of things to come from the 22-year-old Champions League winner for his second season in the English capital.
Hakim Ziyech (Left winger): 8/10
Ziyech looks like an entirely different player thus far. As mentioned above, the Moroccan is building quite the rapport with Hudson-Odoi. He also looked a lot more comfortable playing alongside Werner and Havertz in a position-less front three of sorts. Ziyech was making things happen throughout, often coming central and deep to retrieve passes before turning up field to go at defenders. He did miss the most obvious scoring opportunity of the match though. The aftermath of that will likely be some jabs at him in training from teammates, but all in good fun. After all, it was Ziyech’s ability to get onto the ball quickly and flick it over the keeper that created the chance in the first place. He also had an effortless-looking shot hit the crossbar. Much like his attacking counterparts, Ziyech left a fair bit to be desired on the pitch, but it was a solid showing nonetheless.