Chelsea Player Ratings vs. Arsenal: Same Old Problems Haunt the Blues

"The first half was defined by set pieces at the Emirates Stadium. William Saliba headed Arsenal ahead from a trademark corner initially met by Gabriel, but Chelsea responded on the stroke of half time as Reece James's near-post corner was flicked into his own net by Piero Hincapié—just moments after the Blues felt they should have been awarded a penalty for a Declan Rice handball."

"Any hopes of a second equalizer for the Blues were dashed by Neto's red card with 20 minutes remaining. The winger was booked for dissent shortly before receiving a second yellow for a late challenge. Unsurprisingly given their numerical disadvantage, Chelsea failed to mount a comeback, although they did see an effort ruled out for offside in the last seconds of stoppage time."

"The Englishman was not only a commanding defensive presence up against Leandro Trossard and then Gabriel Martinelli, he was Chelsea's leading creator. James's set pieces wreaked havoc on the Arsenal defense and there were several gorgeous crosses from open play that were begging for a decisive touch."

Chelsea suffered a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, with the match heavily influenced by set pieces and disciplinary problems. Arsenal opened scoring through William Saliba's header from a corner, but Chelsea equalized when Piero Hincapié deflected Reece James's corner into his own net. Arsenal regained the lead via Jürrien Timber's header from another set play. Chelsea's hopes of a comeback were extinguished when Pedro Neto received a red card for dissent followed by a late challenge with 20 minutes remaining. Despite a late effort ruled out for offside, Chelsea could not recover. The loss leaves Chelsea sixth, three points behind Liverpool, with their Champions League qualification hopes significantly damaged.

Read at SI