Arsenal player ratings vs Chelsea: Martin Odegaard leads the way as superb Ben White and clinical Kai Havertz defeated the Blues with a five-star performance.
Mikel Arteta's team won their largest-ever victory against their arch-rivals on Tuesday, moving clear at the top of the Premier League standings.
This time last year, Arsenal's Premier League championship campaign was radically off track, with a humiliating 3-3 draw against Southampton on April 21, 2023, and a defeat to Manchester City a few days later putting their prospects of domestic silverware to the scrap heap.
Flash forward to the present, and the Gunners are desperate to avoid repeating history this season. Their encounter with a highly unpredictable Chelsea team might have been disastrous, given the Blues have taken points off several elite sides this season, including Arsenal. But Mikel Arteta's troops crushed any questions about their attitude in front of a rapturous crowd, steamrolling to a record-breaking 5-0 victory.
Within four minutes of Declan Rice's superb surge forward, Leandro Trossard creamed a shot past Djordje Petrovic, setting the tone for a frantic first half.
Arsenal vs Chelsea
— Mario II (@GunnerFrenzy) April 23, 2024
The goals 👇#AFC pic.twitter.com/IslZmgj3Qf
While Chelsea remained a danger on the counter and came near to scoring several times, Arsenal would have been perplexed as to why they didn't get a second before the interval. Kai Havertz was once again wasteful, while Rice's attempt went over, and Trossard was fortunate to avoid a brace when his deflected drive cannoned off Petrovic.
These near-shaves undoubtedly sharpened Arsenal's wits over the break, as they emerged with a point to make. Within seven minutes of the restart, Ben White converted in the box, and Havertz finished Martin Odegaard's wonderful through play to make it 3-0.
Arsenal continued to dominate their opponents, with further goals from Havertz and White adding gloss to the scoreline. The win moves Arsenal three points clear of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table ahead of tomorrow's Merseyside derby, with Manchester City four points behind with two games in hand.
Goalkeeper and Defense
David Raya (7/10)
In the first half, when Chelsea was on the verge of scoring, he made a few superb saves.
Ben White (9/10)
Scored twice, however, the second was most likely an attempted cross. Defensively outstanding, too.
William Saliba 7/10
Jackson spun him once in the first half, but he remained rather comfortable for the remainder of the game.
Gabriel Magalhaes 8/10
Takehiro Tomiyasu (6/10)
Has been hailed as Arsenal's finest one-on-one defender, but Madueke caused him some trouble. After the break, I'm feeling more relaxed.
Midfielder
Thomas Partey (8/10)
Excellent in only his fourth Premier League start of the season. Keeping him fit might be crucial in the championship battle.
Declan Rice (8/10)
A terrific drive forward resulted in the opening. Was all over the place after that, bolstering his Premier League Player of the Year case.
Martin Odegaard (9/10)
Some of his mid-range passes were simply superb. No other Premier League player provides an assist for Havertz's first goal.
Attack
Bukayo Saka (7/10)
Cucurella was easily turned inside out, although she did have a tendency to accept too many touches. He redeemed himself with a beautiful assist on Havertz's second.
Kai Havertz (8/10)
He squandered several early opportunities, but the two goals he did score were superbly executed. Now has 12 for the season.
Leandro Trossard 7/10
Petrovic struggled to keep up with his strong drive. Following that, I wasn't as involved, but I kept plugging forward.
Subs and Manager
Jorginho (6/10)
Added some authority over his old club.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10)
Was fine with left-back.
Gabriel Martinelli (5/10)
I missed a one-on-one in the dying minutes.
Gabriel Jesus (5 out of 10)
I didn't really get into the game, but it was a formality at the time.
Fabio Vieira (n/a)
Given a quick runout.
Mikel Arteta (8/10)
He was able to pitch his 'first-choice' midfield three for the first time since the Community Shield. It was well worth the wait, as Arsenal brutally twisted the screw after halftime. The pressure is now on Liverpool and Manchester City.
