Chelsea 2-4 Arsenal player ratings: Defense deserves criticism

2 of 4

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 20: N’Golo Kante of Chelsea and Martin Odegaard of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on April 20, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images) /

Cesar Azpilicueta (Right wingback): 5/10

Playing as a right wingback, Cesar Azpilicueta had a very mixed game. The Spaniard was mostly involved in the attacking build-up play for Chelsea and it was the skipper’s brilliant run in the box that helped the hosts equalize in the first half. A brilliant finish at Ramsdale’s near post from an excellent cross from Mount. In the second half, Azpilicueta struggled and it was him giving away the ball which started the play that Nketiah converted for the Gunners’ third goal. In the dying minutes of the game, it was the captain who conceded the penalty by “bringing down” Saka in the box. A very bad day in the office for the veteran—at least at the back.

N’Golo Kante (Central midfielder): 6/10

The French midfielder started the game alongside Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the midfield and looked distinctly average. Kante could not assert his dominance in the midfield like he usually does. He kept getting dispossessed off the ball and it feels as if progressing the ball up the pitch doesn’t suit Kante in the grand scheme of things. Maybe it’s too harsh to say this, but with the recent injuries, it feels like the end for Kante is near.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Central midfielder): 6.5/10

One of the best players on the pitch against Arsenal was Loftus-Cheek. The English midfielder seems to have found his confidence after the manager trusted him in important games against the likes of Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals. Loftus-Cheek was full of energy in the midfield, winning the ball and closing down Gunners defenders and midfielders. It was his interception that led to Werner’s opening goal. Even though he was losing the ball in the midfield sometimes, there was no lack of effort from the 26-year-old.

Marcos Alonso (Left wingback): 6.5/10

Marcos Alonso was the most attacking Chelsea player with five shots. Unfortunately, none of them were on target. The Spanish international found himself in good positions to have an effect on the game, but couldn’t do much when it was all said and done. When defending, Saka was all over Alonso and had him on strings due to his lack of pace. Alonso was substituted for Hakim Ziyech in the 80′.

Home/Premier League