This was neither a convincing nor a catastrophic Arsenal performance. Perhaps with a bit more will, you feel like Arsenal could have grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck, but, avoiding a defeat seemed more important.

It was a lacklustre performance from both sides. A majority of The Gunners' final balls did not find their intended targets, and they appeared defensively susceptible on counter. Neither midfield was either to assert themselves, despite the talent on show.

Wojciech Szczesny - 6 - In reality the Pole had little to deal with throughout the match. Handled a few less than convincing Chelsea strikes and overcome the tough conditions, his main achievement tonight.

Bacary Sagna - 6 - Made an intense start to the game, showing defensive steel and an option going forward in the first half. Both Arsenal’s wing backs were exposed throughout the second half, although, like Gibbs, put some dangerous balls into the area.

Per Mertesacker - 7 - Another very solid defensive performance from the German. Putting in a number of extremely well timed tackles, particularly on Torres In the first half, he coped extremely well with the adverse conditions.

Thomas Vermaelen - 6 - This was a great opportunity for the Belgian to stake his claim for regular first team football. He made some decent headed interceptions and had a solid game overall. For a first start for a long time, it certainly was a decent performance, albeit against a subdued Chelsea attack.

Kieran Gibbs - 6 - Did not look the most confident of Arsenal’s first eleven in the first half with few wayward touches. Came to life a bit more in the second, able to put the crosses in that had proved unsuccessful in the first. But, unfortunately, nobody was able to connect.

Mikel Arteta - 7 - Certainly bore the brunt of a few harsh challenges tonight, undoubtedly a rough game for the Spaniard. Solid as always in possession, having the most touches of any player, whilst achieving 92% pass accuracy, but this was a game in which neither midfield was able to dominate.

Aaron Ramsey - 5 - Covered the football pitch in his usual relentless style, but failed to produce the magic that has defined his season thus far. This was noticeable as he gave the ball away far too easily on a number of occasions, achieving a pass accuracy of 73%, well below is average of 85%.

Tomas Rosicky - 6 - Looked decent going forward on occasions, but was unable to produce the final ball when necessary, often finding a dead end. Ended up with a booking after a few reckless challenges, and perhaps could have been substituted to change the dynamic.

Mesut Ozil - 5 - Unable to express himself in the way in which, we, and Mourinho know he can. Often seeming frustrated, he failed to grab hold of a couple of volleys and perhaps could have produces more when dribbling. Overall an underwhelming game from the young German.

Theo Walcott - 5 - Ineffective throughout the game, although, had a very decent penalty appeal turned down. Chelsea made sure he could not exploit the high lines as he did against City, and on occasions this affected the balance of Arsenal’s play. Some good set pieces, but not enough guile.

Olivier Giroud - 4 - In the first half he helped to build up Arsenal’s play, but seemed to go missing in the final third. Missed a few important chances, in particular the 79th minute, in which he sliced a great opportunity wide. A missed opportunity that defines his form and his legitimacy as a top class sticker who can take Arsenal to the title.

Subs

Slightly bemused to the fact the Wenger didn’t use a substitute tonight. A sign that this really wasn’t a game Arsene wanted to lose. Understandable in the circumstances and we’re not aware of any wider reasons for this.

Considering the unfavourable stats against Mourinho’s sides going into the game and the less than desirable run of form, Arsenal did not show a complete lack of mental strength that has deserted them in past seasons in fixtures of this caliber.

The mere fact that Arsenal do not completely sacrifice their position at the top of the league is what this performance was about.

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