ARSENALLENO 6 – When you concede two goals before the half-time break, it’s difficult to say you were good. But Leno is not the issue in this Arsenal’s slot. Maybe he could have reacted better, though, following James’ cross to Lukaku since it happened in his six-yard box. Saved that wonderful Lukaku’s header late in the game.TIERNEY 4 – The guy was like a traffic light in the GTA video game – he was present there, but they were running all over him the entire time. It was dreadful watching Tierney’s defending. Always late, leaving James unmarked every single time. The one to blame for both Chelsea’s goals. On the other hand, pretty solid in attack.PABLO MARI 3 – If you think you’re having a tough time, check out Pablo Mari. We feel sorry for the Gunners centre-back, whose job was to stop Lukaku. He was never near it. It seemed like a boy scout vs MMA fighter. Too challenging for him.HOLDING 5 – Alongside Pablo Mari struggled with the unplayable Lukaku. He seems like a die-hard player, but maybe he’s punching a bit above his weight with Arsenal. In some EPL mid-table side, he would surely be more efficient and comfortable. Still, he was a better part of that centre-back duo today. Was so close to scoring a header in the second half.SOARES 6 – Unlike his colleague on the left, Kieran Tierney, Soares was looking pretty stable on the right. Had a few runs on the sideline and one sharp cross that found Smith-Rowe in the middle of the box, but Chelsea were left unhurt. The fact that Havertz was an underachiever today tells a lot about Soares’ performance.XHAKA (C) 4- He’s like those stealth bombers – nowhere on the radar. Disturbingly bad for Arsenal’s captain. He kept his low-profile presence from the very kick-off. Maybe his of-the-pitch qualities are high, but the football game is still played on a (muddy) pitch. And there were no signs of Xhaka there.LOKONGA 5 – A decent performance. Sure, he can do much better, but he was one of those rare Gunners that didn’t disappoint either. A few times, he and Pepe couldn’t decide which one should get to the ball first. The boy of Congolese descent lacks experience but will improve in the following weeks, that’s almost for sure.SAKA 7 – Well done, boy. One of those who really didn’t disappoint at the Emirates premiere today. He fought bravely against the Blues, had a couple of fine shots and passes, and, to sum up, proved he’s worth a place in Arsenals starting XI. This could be his breakthrough season.SMITH-ROWE 6 – A bit inconsistent. For a moment, he seems like a true The Invincibles successor. Dribbles smoothly and moves fast, penetrates quickly. But then, for the next 10 or even 20 minutes, he’s nowhere near the action. However, deserves a pat on the back for today’s performance.PEPE 5 – We need much, much more from where that came from. The man is definitely talented, and Rudiger and Alonso were both shaken and stirred a couple of times when Pepe strolled on the right flank. But to be 007, you need to be lethal all the time.MARTINELLI 3 – Don’t get us wrong, but if he is Arsenal’s No.1 striker in this season, then the Gunners are in big trouble. He lacks the height and the muscles (who said Lukaku) to fight with defenders and, quite frankly, is too shy for a Brazilian. Not a single touch on the ball could prove his, allegedly, high class.SUBS:AUBAMEYANG (’60) – When he is in the worse shape, he’s still two times better and more dangerous than Martinelli (no hard feelings). Arsenal need Auba and, despite not making a statement during today’s 30 minutes spent on the pitch, Pierre-Emerick would be a much preferable solution to the Brazilian for the starting XI.BALOGUN (’78) – Not enough time nor action to make an impact on the game and deserve a mark.©Gallo ImagesCOACH MIKEL ARTETA 5 – Huh, where to start from. Arteta didn’t find a solution for remarkable Reece James on the right flank from early on. It was apparent Tuchel outsmarted him there, and when Lukaku started his one-man show on deplorable Pablo Mari, it was blatantly clear who won today’s tactical skirmish. This season is probably the last given to Arteta to improve things at Emirates and return the Gunners to the top of the table after years of drought. Though the boardroom seems to have all the patience for the Spanish tactician, games like this one could turn the tables swiftly and unexpectedly.##EDITORS_CHOICE##CHELSEAMENDY 7 – As jobless as it gets. Mendy literally had all the time in the world to relax, sit back and enjoy watching his teammates do all the work. Once he was engaged in action, he showed sureness and necessary quality. Not enough challenges for a higher rating.RUDIGER 8 – Confident and calm. He made sure Martinelli was as distant from Mendy as possible. Worked well with Christensen and Azpilicueta to prevent any disturbance in Chelsea’s box. Tuchel’s wise choice was to place him there. AZPILICUETA 8 – Once you spot him in the box, the first thought that comes to your mind is – uhh, this guy is too small for the task. But Azpi is one ruthless, disciplined, old-fashioned defender and Tuchel’s best possible assistance on the pitch. An experienced full-back that has all the necessary qualities for the captain’s role. To be precise, everything that Xhaka simply is not.CHRISTENSEN 8 – An essential part of the Blue’s defensive line. The Danish centre-back was always quick on the ball and tackled Martinelli and Smith-Rowe the way it should be done. He makes no mistakes in the danger zone, and that’s what being a reliable defender is all about.JAMES 9 – Splendid, a truly magnificent performance for Reece James. Alongside Lukaku, the man of the match, definitely. He assisted the first one and scored the second. Made Tierney’s life miserable, showing up on the right-wing just when Chelsea needed him. His performance was second to none. Luckily, he wasn’t injured heavily in the second half, although it looked awful at first sight.JORGINHO 5 – Maybe it’s the consequence of his outstanding work in the previous seasons but must say we expected a bit more from him. If it wasn’t for that David Bowie’s hairstyle, one could not notice Jorginho on the pitch for most of the match. Or is it maybe the quintessential prove of his well-done job? Low profile and full delivery… Hmm, it might be.KOVACIC 7 – Nicely done. His role in Chelsea’s maiden goal was crucial. He exchanged passes with Lukaku before ideally finding unmarked James on the wing. Albeit he earned his spot in the starting XI due to Kante’s slow recovery, he didn’t fail at all. Reliable player, indeed.ALONSO 8 – Just like his fellow countrymen Azpilicueta, it’s a pleasure to watch Marcos Alonso on the pitch. With not a single unnecessary touch on the ball, his intelligent passing and strong left significantly impacted the game. Despite being a defender by the book, he never hesitates to engage in the offence and does it marvellously.HAVERTZ 5 – Hmm, is it us, or he was way below his usual performances? Once a ‘false 9’, now with a natural 9 Lukaku on the pitch, it seems as though Havertz got lost somewhere in between. Face to face with Arsenal’s Soares, the German forward lacked solutions. He’ll definitely need some time to accommodate to new Chelsea’s formation.MOUNT 6 – A decent one from Mount, but we are sure he’s capable of much better displays. Unselfish, he provided much-needed space for Lukaku to shine on his premiere. We’ll see more of him as soon as next weekend when the Blues host Liverpool in another derby.LUKAKU 9 – Boom, here comes the boom, ready or not… Just like the song says, Lukaku has come to make all the difference. His return to Chelsea in mature years will probably be the wisest move possible. Super strong, he dealt with Arsenal’s centre-backs like with kids from across the street. Mighty Belgium is about to take the EPL by storm. Fasten your seatbelts.SUBBS:KANTE (’70) 7 – The most likeable guy out there is slowly recovering from the injury. The Blues need him desperately, but Tuchel’s worries are not sky-high since Kovacic is a fine replacement. However, Kante’s presence has a massive influence on Blue’s game, and the last 20 minutes of the Arsenal tie proved it firmly.ZYECH (’82) – Not enough time nor action to make an impact on the game and deserve a mark.WERNER (’88) – The same like Zyech.©Gallo ImagesCOACH THOMAS TUCHEL 9 – This guy knows what’s he doing. After winning the UCL trophy, Tuchel is on the right path to, finally, push his side to the much-expected Premier League crown. Sure, he has a miles-long list of outstanding players in his slot, but apparently, he definitely knows how to handle them and give them instructions and roles to clinch the titles. He could provide some lessons to his Arsenal colleague.Romelu Lukaku marks his England return with a goal as Chelsea show class in the drubbing of Arsenal
