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Football London
Football London
Sport
Adam Newson

Chelsea second half player ratings vs Arsenal: Silva solid, Koulibaly steady, attack fails again

Edouard Mendy

After being beaten twice in the first half, Mendy will have wanted a shutout in the second. That didn't happen. The Senegal international did produce two good saves in the build-up to Bukayo Saka's third as he denied both Gabriel Martinelli and Granit Xhaka but it wasn't enough. 6

Cesar Azpilicueta

Chelsea's club captain – who is keen on a move to Barcelona – came on to fill in on the right of the back three. Azpilicueta defended well enough but his limitations in possession were evident. 5

Thiago Silva

The Brazilian was Chelsea's standout performer in the opening period but he wasn't quite as sharp after the break. Silva was still the most composed defender in blue but it's not sustainable to continue relying on a 37-year-old. 6

Malang Sarr

Introduced in the dying stages of the first half for the injured Trevoh Chalobah, Sarr took up a position on the left of the back three after the interval. The Frenchman's passing out from the back when under pressure was shaky, as has often been the case. 5

Reece James

Chelsea's most promising attacks of the first half came down James' flank and he was moved to wing-back in the second period. Unfortunately, James could not unlock the Arsenal defence and overwhelm Nuno Tavares. 5

Jorginho

Lasted 73 minutes before being replaced, Jorginho was more positive on the ball after Chelsea's change in formation. 6

Mateo Kovacic

The Croatian has struggled with a knee injury in pre-season but got 45 minutes against Arsenal. Didn't produce one of his trademark slaloms forward and was safe with his passing. 5

Marcos Alonso

Introduced at half time – somewhat surprisingly ahead of Ben Chilwell – and was caught out by the movement of Saka in the build-up to Arsenal's third goal. 5

Mason Mount

The England international hit the post late in the opening 45 minutes and dragged a shot wide early into the second period as Chelsea attempted to find a route into the game. Played an hour before being replaced. 5

Kai Havertz

After a poor first half, Havertz was moved into a more central role but still wasn't able to offer a threat as Chelsea's number nine. Was replaced shortly after the hour mark. 5

Christian Pulisic

The American would have wanted to sign off Chelsea's tour of his home country in style, but Pulisic had very little impact having replaced Raheem Sterling on the left of the Chelsea attack. 5

Substitutes

Michy Batshuayi (for Kai Havertz, 64)

Brought on to add a goal threat to the Chelsea attack, Batshuayi came close with one header that he glanced wide. 5

Hakim Ziyech (for Mason Mount, 64)

Produced one dangerous cross for Alonso. 5

Callum Hudson-Odoi (for Reece James, 73)

Brought on at wing-back, Hudson-Odoi wasn't able to prise open the Arsenal backline. 5

Kalidou Koulibaly (for Thiago Silva, 73)

Didn't have long to make his mark, but one outstanding block to deny Eddie Nketiah ensured Koulibaly caught the eye. He also produced one nice pass forward for Batshuayi. 6

Ethan Ampadu (for Jorginho, 73)

Brought on and into midfield, Ampadu wasn't able to get on the ball as the game petered out. 5

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