Arsenal Premier League Player Ratings Vs Chelsea: 3-1

Arsenal!

Arsenal will be ringing out all through London after the Gunners secured their 11th win of the season and moved to second on the English Premier League table with a dominant, defying win over London rivals Chelsea.

The win reinstates the North London giants title challenge, along with enabling them to be the current kings of the nations capital.

Arsene Wenger's men were exceptional against a side who predominantly brings out their worse. There was much doubt over the Gunners presence—a loss would have surely signified the end of their title challenge and after Arsenal had looked to flat and lifeless in their recent 1-0 loss to EPL leaders Manchester United, many felt Chelsea would once again conquer at the Emirates.

However, Carlo Ancelotti's men never looked comfortable with Arsenal's potent, fast moving attack.

From the first whistle, the Gunners looked in control and a miss-hit from striker Robin van Persie prevented Arsenal from taking a deserved lead early on, after Cesc Fabregas's played a delightful chip into the Chelsea box.

Both sides took turns to boss possession in the opening exchanges, but it was Arsenal who always looked the more settled.

Chelsea did not look like a side desperate to break a five game win drought The Blues were without French dynamo Nicholas Anelka, but welcomed backed midfield maestro Frank Lampard, who had been absent from first team football for four months.

The Englishman's presence did spark numerous attacks but no real opportunities materialized for Ancelotti's men. 

The main concern for the Arsenal faithful was whether the Arsenal back line was able to contain Chelsea's main attacking force Didier Drogba.

The Ivorian loves nothing more then scoring against the Gunners. Since 2008, Drogba has scored seven times in six league appearances. However, brilliance from Wenger to drop struggling centre half Sebastien Squillaci for imposing Swiss Johan Djourou worked brilliantly as the 23 year old kept the former Marseille man quiet for the entire evening.

As the half wore on, the Gunners began to thrive in attack with Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott both boasting chances.

Infrom playmaker Samir Nasri then went agonisingly close for Arsenal when the Frenchman elegantly striked from just outside the box. It was a sweet shot that looked destined to loop into the top corner, only for Chelsea keeper Petr Cech to make a neat save.

Finally though, on the 44th minute, the Gunners possession dominance and pressure paid off, as a well worked move resulted in Alexandre Song finishing from short range into the bottom corner.

In what had been a crowded box, Cesc Fabregas evaded a number of legs before the ball found a composed Song.

The goal was well deserved and Wenger's men went into the break with psychological dominance. It showed as Arsenal were easily the livlier team at the start of the second half.

Five minutes after the break, Arsenal struck again after neat work from van Persie who drew in three defenders which ensured the ball was eventually knocked loose and found an on rushing Walcott, 40 yards out.

The English speedster had only Cech to beat and unselfishly drew the Czech captain before cutting back to Fabregas, who had the easiest of task, finishing into an open net from 12 yards out.

The goal insured Arsenal with a two goal lead, but Wenger's men weren't done yet. Three minutes later Fabregas and Walcott combined brilliantly after the latter had impressively stolen possession off a stalling Florent Malouda.

Walcott then exchanged neat passes with Fabregas before the 21 year old finished expertly in the bottom corner.

The goal signified the maturity and development that this young Arsenal side had endured through in recent season and showed maybe Arsene Wenger was right—this squad did have what it takes to be the best in England and Europe.

Chelsea were able to find a consolation goal four minutes later, displaying the frailty Arsenal boast of set pieces. Branislav Ivanovic was able to latch onto a powerful Didier Drogba cross to ensure a nervy finish for the Gunners.

However, there was never any doubt.

Player Ratings

Lukasz Fabianski: 6: The Polish shot stopper had little do to and can only blame his defenders after conceding.

Bacary Sagna: 7.5: The Frenchman as usual was strong and calm in defence containing the dangerous Florent Malouda with ease. Contributed impressively in attack too.

Johan Djourou: 8: The Swiss was immense, controlling and containing Arsenal's Achilles heel Didier Drogba.

Djourou also made a number of vital interceptions and tackles and honestly, there is no reason why Sebastien Squillaci should be allowed back into the centre half.

Laurent Koscienly: 7: The doughty Frenchman boasted some strong clearances and headers but was guilty of poor positioning and rash control.

However, he enjoyed a solid evening and is showing great promise.

Gael Clichy: 6: The experienced left back had a yo-yo night, error filled along with stupidity in attack.

For the predominant part of the night kept Salomon Kalou and later Gael Kakuta at bay but still guilty of waste in possession and poor positioning.

Alexandre Song: 8: The Cameroon midfielder worked tirelessly in defence, aiding his defenders admirably.

Ensured his presence was felt in attack and a sublime finish saw Song take to the goal sheet.

Jack Wilshere: 7: The English teenager was composed and strong in attack, always busy and playing a number of smart passes.

However, Wilshere was guilty of some astray passing and poor control. Nonetheless, it was a good night for the teen sensation.

Cesc Fabregas: 8: Arsenal welcomed back their captain and what a difference the Spaniard makes.

Always a threat in attack, great vision, passing and skill and deservedly scored.

Welcome back Cesc!

Theo Walcott: 8: The English quick did have some poor moments in attack but his presence and speed was vital.

He tormented Ashley Cole down the right and finished expertly for his goal alongside setting up Fabregas.

Samir Nasri: 7: Walcott's presence meant the inform Frenchman was forced to the left wing.

The move kept Nasri quiet in periods but the dynamo was so calm and collected in possession, rarely putting a foot wrong and unlucky not to find the back of the net with a scintillating long range effort.

Robin van Persie: 7: The Dutch maestro first League start since August and it told as van Persie's work ethich, skill and passing was evident in the potent Arsenal attack.

Still lacking in match fitness but fans and Wenger alike will be relishing the return of their star striker.

Substitutes

Abou Diaby: 6: The lanky Frenchman made his return from injury and looked dangerous on occassion but wasted a glorious opportunity late on.

Marouane Chamakh: N/A

Tomas Rosicky: N/A