Chelsea underlined their status as Premier League title contenders with a dominant 2-0 win at London rivals Arsenal on Sunday.
Thomas Tuchel’s side looked a class apart from the get-go, with club-record signing Romelu Lukaku scoring on his second Chelsea debut inside 15 minutes.
Reece James, who was a constant menace down the right-hand side, added a second 20 minutes later, stunning the home crowd into silence.
While Arsenal improved as the match progressed, they never really offered a threat going forward.
The result moves Chelsea to the top of the table on six points, while Arsenal are ensconced in the relegation zone having failed to register a point, or goal, in two games.
Chelsea player ratings vs Arsenal
Edouard Mendy – 8/10
Mendy was barely tested in the Chelsea goal. He made a good save to deny Bukayo Saka in the second half and was also quick off his line to prevent Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from getting a shot on goal.
Reece James – 9/10
Put in a near-flawless display. James assisted Chelsea’s opener and scored their second. He constantly found himself in acres of space on the right flank and was a threat throughout the game. He was a bit fortunate not to concede a penalty after colliding with Saka in the first half.
⭐️ Man of the Match, @ChelseaFC’s Romelu Lukaku
⚽️ Scored on 2nd Chelsea debut
8 Shots – most in match
2 On target – most in match
11 Touches in opp. box – most in match pic.twitter.com/Nb0CLgyM2h— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) August 22, 2021
Antonio Rudiger – 7/10
With Arsenal pushing forward for a brief period in the second half, the onus was on Rudiger and Christensen to hold firm. The German played his part, keeping things tight at the back and not offering the Arsenal attackers any room to work with.
Andreas Christensen – 8/10
The Denmark international barely put a foot wrong all game. His anticipation was excellent and he made a few crucial interceptions.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7/10
With James wreaking havoc on the right flank, Azpilicueta was content to sit back. He produced a fantastic block to deny Emile Smith Rowe a goal in the second half.
London is Blue. 🔵 pic.twitter.com/Kkb9r4AeOb
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 22, 2021
Marcos Alonso – 8/10
Played almost as a left-winger for most of the game and was involved heavily in Chelsea’s attacks, including the two goals.
Mason Mount – 8/10
Mount was energetic as ever and constantly harried the Arsenal defenders. He was sublime in possession and provided the assist for James’ goal in the first half. He also produced a sensational cross for Lukaku, who failed to hit the back of the net.
Jorginho – 7/10
Jorginho was tidy in possession and kept Chelsea’s attack flowing with his accurate passing.
Kai Havertz – 7/10
Linked up well with Alonso and Lukaku for most of the game. His quick feet and vision were instrumental in Chelsea’s second goal. He also had a chance to get on the score-sheet in the second half but fired his attempt straight at Leno.
Mateo Kovacic – 6/10
Kovacic did not do much wrong, but he was outshone by the rest of the Chelsea squad.
Romelu Lukaku – 9/10
Lukaku was constant a thorn in Arsenal’s side. Pablo Mari and Rob Holding simply had no answers to the Belgian’s pace and strength. Lukaku scored the opener and also played a part in Chelsea’s second.
Could have had a second but was denied by a stunning save by Bernd Leno. Hold up play was also on point.
Substitutes
N’Golo Kante – 6/10
Replaced Mateo Kovacic in the 72 minute and instantly added energy and bite to Chelsea’s midfield.
Hakim Ziyech – 5/10
Gave the ball away cheaply on a couple of occasions after coming on but did look bright for the most part.
Timo Werner – NA
Late sub. Didn’t have the time to make an impact on the game.