Player ratings from uneventful clash between Chelsea and Arsenal

The match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon ended in a lackluster 1-1 draw, with both teams failing to showcase their best quality.

Neither team could find anything like their fluent best, struggling to create good chances, but there was no shortage of effort, with a bit of edge to the game as well.

The first half was not great, but the second was better, which is when the two goals were scored.

Gabriel Martinelli poked home at the back post on the hour-mark, before Pedro Neto scored an excellent equaliser 10 minutes later.

The Blues and the Gunners finish the weekend on 19 points, with Enzo Maresca’s side third and Mikel Arteta’s one spot lower than them.

Here’s how the players performed at Stamford Bridge…

Robert Sanchez – 5

Not very convincing in Chelsea’s playing out from the back and in question over Martinelli’s goal as he was beaten at the near post. Doesn’t really look like a top class goalkeeper. Did make a decent save from Martinelli in the first half, though.

Malo Gusto – 5

Missed a brilliant chance with the game goalless as he headed over from close range after a Pedro Neto cross, hurting himself in the process, but he stayed on the field. Why Martinelli was unmarked for Arsenal’s opener was not clear, but Gusto may well be to blame.

Wesley Fofana – 7

Kai Havertz offered little up against Fofana with the Chelsea man solid at the back. Unexpectedly popped up on the end of a brilliant Madueke cross but could only stab an effort over.

Levi Colwill – 6

Looked unsettled early on after being booked just 21 minutes in and then caught in possession to hand Arsenal a brilliant chance, which they spurned. Recoverd and was perfectly steady over the rest of the game, although played Martinelli onside for his goal.

Marc Cucurella – 7

Picked up a yellow card for a poor challenge on Bukayo Saka, but his task was to keep the Arsenal winger quiet and that’s what he managed impressively for almost the entire contest.

Moises Caicedo – 6

A very combative presence in the middle of midfield, giving the returning Odegaard a whack early on to welcome him back from injury. Snaps into tackles, maybe a bit too much sometimes, but looks a nightmare to be up against.

Romeo Lavia – 6

The two teams largely cancelled each other out in the middle of the park, but Lavia stuck to his task well enough before being taken off on 68 minutes with an apparent injury.

Noni Madueke – 5

Moronically booked shortly before the interval for delaying a free-kick in Arsenal’s own half. Not a consistent threat at all, but put in a superb in-swinging cross on 52 minutes which could easily have resulted in a goal but Wesley Fofana poked the ball over the bar. Replaced by Mudryk 68 minutes in.

Cole Palmer – 5

Nearly opened the scoring in style in the opening minutes as a cracking long-range stike was tipped over by David Raya. Struggled to put his stamp on the game after a few long range efforts early on, largely went unnoticed in the second half.

Pedro Neto – 7

Booked in the first half for complaining to the referee about an Arsenal goal which was ultimately disallowed. Looked dangerous on the left flank, though, with Ben White struggling to contain him, but frustratingly turns back a lot, negating the dangers he poses. That all became irrelevant when he scored a brilliant equaliser for Chelsea, though, having switched to the right flank, cutting inside and smashing in a long range effort from a central position.

Nicolas Jackson – 6

Tough to have much impact up against Saliba and Gabriel and Jackson struggled to find space for any chances. He’s a great threat on the break due to his pace, but couldn’t keep up his impressive recent form. Taken off late on, replaced by Nkunku.

David Raya – 7

Impressively saved an early effort from distance from Cole Palmer. The Spaniard is a commanding presence when balls come into the box, which is of great reassurance to his defenders. Will be disappointed to be beaten from 20 yards by Neto but it was a good hit.

Ben White – 6

Contibuted to an increasingly spicy first half by barging Pedro Neto off the ball and picking up a yellow card for his efforts. Struggled with Neto until the Chelsea man switched wings.

William Saliba – 7

Handled the threat of Nicolas Jackson pretty comfortably and helped his goalkeeper to have a pretty quiet evening. As solid and commanding as ever.

Gabriel – 7

Similar to his centre-back partner Saliba, they do most things very impressively in the middle of defence. Arsenal were not as threatening as they have been from set-pieces, so the Brazilian couldn’t offer a great deal offensively.

Jurrien Timber – 7

Continues to look good at left-back, both going forward and defensively. Chelsea’s goal did technically come from Timber’s flank, but Neto had to go a long way centrally to evade the Dutchman’s jurisdiction.

Declan Rice – 6

Scrapped away in the middle after being an injury doubt and largely kept Cole Palmer quiet, which was key for Arsenal, restricing his England colleague to speculative efforts from range.

Thomas Partey – 6

Just ticks over at the base of Arsenal’s midfield, offering nothing at all going forward, but remaining neat and tidy enough in what he is asked to do.

Bukayo Saka – 5

A very forgettable game for the England winger, not getting much change out of Marc Cucurella and then limping off with 10 minutes to play.

Martin Odegaard – 6

Arsenal have missed his control and vision while out with an ankle injury and Mikel Arteta is very glad to have him back. The Norwegian understandably not at his sharpest and wasn’t influential throughout, but picked out Martinelli for the opening goal of the game with a typically smart pass.

Gabriel Martinelli – 7

Missed a fabulous chance to open the scoring in the first half but could only manage a tame effort straight at Sanchez. He more than made up for it on 60 minutes though as he put Arsenal ahead, poking home at the back post from an Odegaard ball in. Works hard in defence too. Replaced on 71 minutes.

Kai Havertz – 5

Thought he had given Arsenal a first-half lead but it was ruled out for a narrow offside call. Suffered insult to injury after the break as a cut on his head gushed blood but he was booked for not leaving the field for treatment quickly enough.

Chelsea

Enzo Fernandez – 5/10

Mykhailo Mudryk – 5/10

Reece James – N/A

Arsenal

Mikel Merino – 5/10

Leandro Trossard – 4/10

Gabriel Jesus – 5/10