Player Ratings: Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal | Premier League

Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

Mauricio Pochettino‘s Blues let a two-goal lead slip as they faced Mikel Arteta’s team.

The hosts got off to a perfect start, a delivery from Raheem Sterling found the head of Mykhailo Mudryk, the Ukrainian’s effort hit William Saliba’s arm and a penalty was awarded. Cole Palmer then tucked home beautifully from the spot to put Chelsea in front.

As the first half continued, there were few chances for either side, but it was the Blues who went closest to scoring again, Palmer dragged a shot just wide and Malo Gusto also hit an effort over the crossbar.

In the second half, Chelsea got off to a flying start, Mudryk hit an effort from range that was enough to catch out David Raya and give the Blues a 2-0 lead.

Things were looking comfortable for the home side, but in the 77th minute, a mistake from Robert Sanchez handed Arsenal a chance, Declan Rice struck from range after Sanchez’s poor pass.

An equaliser followed, Bukayo Saka’s delivery found substitute Leandro Trossard at the back post, he slotted home to level the contest and see the two sides share the points.

Here is how Absolute Chelsea rated the players’ performance in the London derby:

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Robert Sanchez – 2.5/10

A disastrous day for Sanchez, there were shaky moments throughout the game and it was his mistake that turned the match on its head. He gave away possession and gifted Rice a goal. Really disappointing display, he is capable of much better.

Malo Gusto – 5/10

Returning to the side following the red card he picked up against Aston Villa, the Frenchman dealt with dangerous Gabriel Martinelli but will be disappointed with how he allowed Trossard to score the equaliser.

Levi Colwill – 7/10

Has been regularly used at left-back and often formed a back three this season, but against Arsenal, Colwill was partnered with Thiago Silva. At 20-years-old he is at the complete other end of his footballing career compared with his counterpart, but he does not look at all of place.

Thiago Silva – 7.5/10

Solid display from the Brazilian, he snuffed out danger and showed great leadership from the back. The 39-year-old’s ability to read the game is simply astounding.

Marc Cucurella – 7.5/10

Starting his first game at left-back this season, the Spaniard was handed a tough task, dealing with Bukayo Saka. He did an extremely good job and he deserves a lot of credit, following a difficult first season, Cucurella looks a completely different player under the management of Pochettino, he is full of energy and battles for everything.

Conor Gallagher – 7.5/10

It is hard to believe that Gallagher looked to be leaving Chelsea in the summer, his role this season has been massive. Captaining the side once again, the midfielder battled for everything in the middle of the park, in doing so he set up the second goal of the contest as well.

Moises Caicedo – 7/10

Has significantly improved since making his debut versus West Ham United, the Ecuadorian is a vital part of the midfield. He does an excellent job of driving the Blues forward and is building both fitness and confidence.

Enzo Fernandez – 7/10

Controlled the ball well in the tough conditions and turned in yet another good performance in a Chelsea shirt. Plays with so much passion but is a calm figure in the Blues’ midfield. Alongside Caicedo, helped to dominate the midfield battle for most of the contest.

Cole Palmer – 9/10 (83)

A joy to watch. Since arriving in the summer, Palmer has been superb, he turned in another quality performance against the Gunners. In the first half, he opened the scoring with a composed penalty and was a constant threat going forward. He dropped slightly deeper in the second half, before he was substituted he dictated play wonderfully.

Mykhailo Mudryk – 8.5/10 (65)

Did he mean to do it will be the question following the game, but Mudryk will not care. Early on in the second half the 22-year-old’s effort from the left-hand side caught David Raya out and dropped into the goal to double the Blues’ lead. Soon after he was substituted and received a standing ovation from the Chelsea faithful.

Raheem Sterling – 7/10 (83)

Has been a leading figure in the Chelsea side this season, he performed well in the first half and caused a lot of problems for Oleksandr Zinchenko, it was his delivery that led to Chelsea’s penalty in the opening 15 minutes.

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Bench:

Nicolas Jackson – 5/10 (65)

Little impact from the Senegalese forward, had a couple of chances, both of which were dealt with by Raya.

Noni Madueke – 4.5/10 (83)

Allowed Saka to cut inside him far too easily for the late equaliser.

Reece James – 5/10 (83)

A huge boost for Chelsea to have him back – did not really have much time on the pitch, but still a welcome return to the squad.