Arsenal player ratings in a 3-1 win over Chelsea – part 1
The clash between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates was a potential title “make or break” game. Arsene Wenger made five changes from the last match Arsenal played. It was a gamble by professor Wenger and it paid off in the favour of Arsenal. The team that
played against Manchester United did not have a killer instinct. However, with this new formation and shuffling of the team Arsenal showed what they are made up of. Following is the rating for the Arsenal team that played yesterday, in a cold night in North
London.
Lucasz Fabianski: 6 – Lucas Fabianski was a mere spectator in the whole match. He kept catching the ball in the air. However, there was no need of extra effort as Chelsea were choked in the midfield. The main threat was Didier Drogba and
he was well covered by the defenders, so the keeper did not have to do much. On the free kick by Drogba, Ivanovic headed the ball in the net and Fabianski did nothing to stop that.
Johan Djourou: 10 – Johan Djourou was a strategic inclusion by Arsene Wenger and he justified his start up. He was strong, agile and fully determined to stop Drogba from scoring. Drogba had scored 10 goals
in the seven matches before last night and with his prolific goal scoring ability, someone had to stop him. This is why Djourou was included and he did exactly the same as the script was written for him. He was quick and up to the task that denied Chelsea
strikers to score.
Laurent Koscielny: 7 – Laurent Koscielny is playing almost every game the gunners play and this is due to the injury to top defender Thomas Vermaelen. Koscielny showed commitment and was efficient in winning
a lot of balls in the air. Often his position in the defense was questioned. However, he played a significant role in the win. He failed to challenge the header of Ivanovic that earned Chelsea a consolation goal.
Bacary Sagna: 8.5 – Frenchman Bacary Sagna had an excellent game right from the start till the end. He was rock solid in defence, kept on running and chasing the ball. He showed great commitment in winning
the tackles and the ball. His crosses from the right flank were brilliant. He certainly deserves a place in this year’s season’s Premier League’s team.
Gael Clichy: 7 – Gael Clichy had a decent game on the left flank. He was quick but sometimes not neat with his footwork. He played a strong physical game, winning many tackles and challenges. He was not shy of crossing the
balls in the box. However, he could not clear the ball from the danger areas. At occasions he was not found on his position, when Chelsea attacked from the left wing.
Jack Wilshere: 7.5 – Jack Wilshere is a new sensation for Arsenal and the football arena. He is immensely talented and is getting better with every game he plays. At the start of the match, he was bit nervy about the occasion.
He made few errors in the midfield. However, once he was in groove, he gave a delightful performance.
Cesc Fabregas: 8 – Cesc Fabregas’s mind was preoccupied with injury fear. However, to perform better he needed to omit that thought. Fabregas started the game slowly but with his reputation he made a difference to the team
in the second half. Right at the brink of the first half there was a case of penalty, when the defender tackled him in Chelsea’s half. In the second half, Fabregas was absolute pleasure to watch. The way he linked with Samir Nasri and Theo Walcott, helped
Arsenal to secure three points.
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