Arsenal lose to Chelsea once again at Stamford Bridge but it wasn’t without controversy. Referee Mike Dean will receive a lot of abuse over the next few days and it will be fully justified. Arsenal were defending well until Dean got crucial decisions wrong. Gabriel was sent off in the incident before Zouma and a Chambers own goal saw Arsenal lose again at Chelsea. If Costa had been sent off it may have been a different game.

Cech – 7 – It wasn’t the result Cech wanted on his return but he did play well making a couple of key saves. Cech was not to blame in either of the goals.

Bellerin – 6 – A decent performance by Bellerin who defended well in large parts of the game. He didn’t really get forward which was at large due to being down to 10 men.

Gabriel – 6 – Up until his sending off Gabriel performed excellently. However, when he should have ignored Costa’s antics Gabriel got involved and reacted which saw him sent off.

Koscielny – 7 – Koscielny performed admirably against an attacking Chelsea. It is to his credit he didn’t reacted when being hit in the face and chested over by an angry Diego Costa.

Monreal – 7 – Monreal was excellent throughout the game often making crucial tackles and interceptions to stop the threat of Chelsea. The only criticism is that he might have done better with the opening goal.

Coquelin – 7 – Coquelin was playing well before picking up a knock. Often broke up attacks and drove the Arsenal midfield forward. However, he was substituted at half time.

Cazorla – 5 – A poor afternoon by the little Spaniard. Often lost the ball in the middle of the park and got sent off for two yellow cards. Both decisions seemed correct and he will now be a big miss in the North London Derby midweek.

Ramsey – 6 – Ramsey was not at his influential best and the team suffered as a result. Ramsey found it hard to get on the ball in the second hard even in his preferred position mainly because Arsenal had 10 men.

Ӧzil – 6 – Didn’t get on the ball enough which meant his game suffered.

Sanchez – 6 – Wasn’t at his usual best often losing the ball when cutting in on his right foot. Missed an important chance when the game was 1-0.

Walcott – 6 – Looked bright early on trying to get behind the Chelsea backline.

Subs

Chambers – 6 – Defended well in some cases and was unlucky with the own goal.

Oxlade–Chamberlain – N/A – Didn’t have much time to influence the game

Giroud – N/A - Didn’t have much time to influence the game

Overall, slightly reluctant to criticise the performance due to going down to 10 men. Referee Dean ruined the match with the sending off and got the Diego Costa decision wrong. The team defended well in the circumstances which is good to see and showed the resilience which was evident in the second half of last year and at Manchester City.