Arsenal Player Ratings vs. Chelsea

Once again the absence of Robin van Persie was too hard for Arsenal as they slumped to their second consecutive League defeat at the hands of Chelsea. Arsenal were lively up and to the final third where they lacked finish and creativity. Two things Robin van Persie blesses the Arsenal score line.

Although 3-0 is a little harsh on Wenger and his men, the defence was the main culprit. Twice they failed to deal with crosses and they resulted in goals. It's plain and simple: Arsenal just aren't good enough to win trophies.

Player Ratings

Manuel Almunia:5.5: Cannot be blamed for the goals conceded and looked relatively solid. However, having conceded three, it does look poorly on his statistics.

Bacary Sagna:5: The Frenchman tried hard to defend the right flank but it felt as if it were too easy for the Chelsea attack. Plus both crosses that lead to goals came from Sagna's side. His crossing was also lackluster.

William Gallas:5.5: Failed to mark up when crosses came in and at times was shaky.

Thomas Vermaelen:5: Like his center half partner, poorly marked the likes of Anelka and Drogba. Also had the burden of scoring and own goal.

Armand Traore:5.5: It's evident he lacks the defensive abilities of Clichy and Gibbs as he failed to contain the Chelsea forwards. But he is a lively attribute in attack with his blistering pace.

Alexandre Song:6: Were you as bemused as I was when he was substituted at half time for Walcott? The only player capable of adding physicality and strength to the defensive side of the midfielder and the only one who tracks back to help his struggling defenders.

Denilson:5: Lacked fitness, strength and accurate passing. Was probably a little rushed back into the first squad, espeically as it was a big encounter.

Cesc Fabregas:6: Tried but failed to create anything. Moved and passed well but like most of the Arsenal attackers, failed when they came to the box.

Samir Nasri:6.5: Arsenal's most threatening player with his pace and movement. A few handy crosses but nothing came of them. Promising signs for the recovering Frenchman.

Andrei Arshavin:5: Is he really that good? Seemed uninterested and lacked any real threatening move. At times the Russian was a little lively but to me it was another disappointing performance.

Eduardo:4: Tried to walk the ball into the net on too many occasions when he really should have fired. Wasteful and gives very little compared to van Persie.

Substitues

Theo Walcott:5.5: His pace was threatening at times and maybe the Englishman should have started.

Carlos Vela:6: Tried hard but no chances really materialized.

Tomas Roiscky:6: A useful assest off the bench. Passes and moved fell and gets credit for annoying the awful John Obi Mikel.