Arsenal player ratings vs Chelsea as Merino vindicates Arteta pick and Lewis-Skelly sparkles

In what was a delightfully feisty London derby between Arsenal and Chelsea, the Gunners took home the spoils on the afternoon. It moves them nine points clear of the Blues and relieves some of the mounting pressure on their Champions League qualification hopes while piling more on their opponents.

Arsenal took the lead after a round of chances had already been missed in a dominant opening to the game. Martin Odegaard’s near-post corner headed past a shaky Robert Sanchez by Mikel Merino.

The Gunners should have been out of sight as their opponents created little. Merino missed a chance for a second on the volley while Odegaard hit a tame effort into the arms of Sanchez but they eventually got the job done.

Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players:

David Raya – A very nervy moment as the Spaniard spilled Marc Cucurella's effort, just getting enough on the ball to see it round the left post. Otherwise it was another solid day for the Spaniard. 6

Jurrien Timber – Once again, very impressive down the right-hand side, taking on his man far more than at the start of the season, and finding a couple of dangerous crosses. 7

William Saliba – Under pressure from the high Chelsea line, but dealt with several long balls well, saw out the advancing runs of Pedro Neto effectively. Great sliding challenge on Neto in the second half, followed by fist-pump to the crowd – the Frenchman was certainly up for this derby. 7

Gabriel Magalhaes – Was booked for a late challenge in the second half but otherwise was pretty flawless once again from the Brazilian. 7

Myles Lewis-Skelly – Fresh off his call-up to the senior England team, it was evident why Thomas Tuchel sees so much in this young player. So much composure, strength and intelligence to his play. 8

Thomas Partey – Another one of those booked in a feisty game between the two London clubs. The Ghanaian showed his importance to the side with his progression as usual, however, the defensive side was also tested to which he responded well with several interceptions and tackles. There was a nervy moment when he fouled Caicedo while booked, but thankfully, Chris Kavanagh was not in a soft red card mood… makes a nice change. 7

Declan Rice – Always a nuisance around the Chelsea box and set up several chances, the main one a lay-off inside the box to Odegaard who really should have done better with what was presented to him. 7

Martin Odegaard – Sent in the perfect corner for Merino to head in to open the scoring. Definitely one of the skipper’s better performances this season, creating all sorts of problems for the back line. He did, however, nearly cost Arsenal big in the last few minutes with a loose backheel. 6

Leandro Trossard – Early chance in the game to put the Gunners in front, saw his shot sliced wide of the right post. More came and went for the Belgian who seemingly couldn’t find a sweet connection on the ball all afternoon. 6

Gabriel Martinelli – Had the beating of his man on several occasions, that pace really has been missed in the Arsenal side and is a welcome return. He did have a good chance to a score, but blazed his shot over the bar. His work rate and creativity was a threat throughout. 7

Mikel Merino – That is what he is there to be, a target man. Heading in a near-post corner beautifully with a backwards header. Had another chance in the second half, on the volley but hit too close to Sanchez. 8

Substitutes

Ethan Nwaneri – Came on for Martinelli but did not have much impact as the job mainly was helping to see out the victory. n/a

Kieran Tierney – Replacing Martin Odegaard in a tactical change from the manager to help see out the win. n/a