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Chelsea logo
Premier League
Oct 5, 2014 at 2.05pm UK
 
Arsenal logo

2-0

Hazard (27' pen.), Costa (78')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Player Ratings: Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal

Sports Mole takes a look at who impressed during Chelsea's eventful 2-0 win over Arsenal at Stamford Bridge this evening.

Chelsea inflicted a first league defeat of the season on Arsenal this afternoon, easing past the Gunners 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to extend their own unbeaten run in the process.

Eden Hazard gave the hosts the lead from the penalty spot in the first half, while Diego Costa made it nine goals in six league games to wrap up the points.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at who impressed during an eventful London derby.


Eden Hazard of Chelsea scores the opening goal from the penalty spot during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on October 4, 2014© Getty Images

CHELSEA

Goal

Thibaut Courtois: Lasted just 24 minutes before being forced off with a head injury sustained in a clash with Sanchez. Was taken to hospital having left the field bleeding from his ear. (6/10)

Defence

Branislav Ivanovic: Involved in a really good battle with Sanchez for most of the game, and came out on top more often than not. Always seemed to be in the right place to mop up any danger. (8/10)

Gary Cahill: Lucky not to be sent off for a robust challenge on Sanchez. Contributed to a faultless defensive performance from his side. (7/10)

John Terry: Another key part of a Chelsea defence that gave Arsenal absolutely nothing in the final third. Organised the backline as well as ever. (7/10)

Cesar Azpilicueta: Ensured that Cazorla, Ozil and Sanchez got no joy when they came over to his wing. Another impressive display from the left-back. (7/10)

Midfield

Cesc Fabregas: Picked out Costa with a sublime pass for the second goal, and was composed and classy in possession all match. A very accomplished display against his former club. (8/10)

Nemanja Matic: Once again fulfilled his role to great effect, preventing Arsenal from building any sort of momentum in the final third. (7/10)

Andre Schurrle: Could have done better with a couple of good positions in the second half. Gave his side a decent outlet, but his final ball was lacking. (6/10)

Oscar: Worked tirelessly in midfield, carrying out his defensive duties very well. It was a superb team effort from Chelsea today, and Oscar embodied that more than anyone. (8/10)

Eden Hazard: The star of the show for Chelsea. Embarked on a number of exciting runs forward and always seemed to find his way past at least one defender. Created and scored the opening goal with one such dazzling run into the box. (9/10)

Attack

Diego Costa: Was kept quiet for the vast majority of the match, but popped up with the goal that sealed the victory. Timed his run well to latch on to Fabregas's pass, and the finish was pure class. (7/10)

Substitutes

Petr Cech: Did not have a shot to save having replaced the injured Courtois, but was quickly off his line on a couple of occasions to thwart an Arsenal opening. (7/10)

John Obi Mikel: Replaced Schurrle with just over 20 minutes remaining and helped Chelsea see the game out by providing even more protection for the back four. (6/10)

Willian: Came on in the 86th minute in place of compatriot Oscar and didn't have time to affect the game. (6/10)


Cesc Fabregas of Chelsea is closed down by Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla of Arsenal during the Barclays Premier League match on October 5, 2014© Getty Images

ARSENAL

Goal

Wojciech Szczesny: Didn't have much to do apart from picking the ball out of his own net. Was sent the wrong way for the penalty and maybe could have been quicker off his line for Chelsea's second. (6/10)

Defence

Calum Chambers: Endured a difficult afternoon against a sparkling Hazard. Simply could not cope with the Belgian at times. Also picked up a yellow card that earns him a suspension for his next match. (5/10)

Per Mertesacker: Solid enough display from the German as he kept Costa quiet for the vast majority of the game. The striker did get in between him and Koscielny for his goal, though. (6/10)

Laurent Koscielny: Gave away the penalty with a clumsy challenge, and was lucky not to be sent off as a result. Also failed to keep track of Costa for the second goal. (5/10)

Kieran Gibbs: Had a better time against Schurrle than Chambers did against Hazard. Looked to get forward whenever possible, but his best work came at the back today. (7/10)

Midfield

Mathieu Flamini: Was always up for the battle in what was a feisty encounter, but was outplayed in the middle of the park at times. (6/10)

Jack Wilshere: Arsenal's best player on the day. He was always positive in possession, looking to drive forward and make something happen. However, he couldn't do it alone against such a strong Chelsea defence. (7/10)

Santi Cazorla: Lost Hazard in the build-up to the penalty and didn't have much of an impact in the final third. Showed a couple of glimpses of his ability, but was kept relatively quiet. (6/10)

Mesut Ozil: Went missing yet again. Failed to have any impact on the match as his threat was completely nullified by the Chelsea defence, be it in a central position or out wide. (5/10)

Alexis Sanchez: Never gave up and battled away against Ivanovic in an intriguing battle. Came out of it second best most of the time, but looked like one of his side's brightest players regardless. (6/10)

Attack

Danny Welbeck: Did not get any joy against Terry and Cahill and was fortunate to avoid a late red card for a poor two-footed challenge on Fabregas. (5/10)

Substitutes

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: Replaced Cazorla with 20 minutes remaining and gave his side a little more pace in the final third, but could not change the course of the match. (6/10)

Lukas Podolski: Introduced with 10 minutes left and had a sniff of a chance inside the box, but was otherwise not involved. (6/10)

Tomas Rosicky: Came on for Wilshere in the 83rd minute, by which time it was too late for Arsenal to save the game. (6/10)


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Chelsea's Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho (R) and Arsenal's French manager Arsene Wenger (L) are kept apart by the fourth official Jonathan Moss during the English Premier League match on October 5, 2014
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