Chelsea ratings: Formidable Cucurella wins tussle with Saka but Cole Palmer still appears troubled by knee injury

MARC CUCURELLA was Chelsea’s star of the show in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal.

Enzo Maresca’s men survived late Gunners pressure to earn a hard-fought point that sees the Blues stay above their London rivals on goal difference.

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Marc Cucurella kept Bukayo Saka quiet[/caption]

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Pedro Neto scored a brilliant equaliser[/caption]

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Cole Palmer had a difficult day amid injury struggles[/caption]

Here is how SunSport rated the Chelsea players’ performances.

Robert Sanchez – 6

Still punches the ball clear when a catch would be much safer – and reassuring for the fans behind him.

Malo Gusto – 6

Went close with a header in the first-half. But was missing at right-back when Arsenal took the lead through Gabriel Martinelli’s 59th minute goal. The problem with also playing in midfield.

Wesley Fofana – 7

Strong challenges and now fully back from lengthy injury. Also went close to a goal in the second half when he pumped the ball just over.

Levi Colwill – 6

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Forging a partnership with Fofana at the heart of defence. Got caught dangerously in possession by Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard but recovered.

Marc Cucurella – 7

Cracking tussle with Bukayo Saka. Despite being one of only three men on the pitch wearing gloves, including the keepers, Chelsea’s left-back is a formidable defender.

Moises Caicedo – 6

Enjoying a run of form at the moment that includes last weekend’s volleyed equaliser at Manchester United. Strong tackler and smooth through the gears in midfield.

Romeo Lavia – 6

A surprise package keeping £107million Enzo Fernandez out of the team. After a terrible run of injuries is forming some consistency. But any twinge is a scare and came off in the 66th minute.

Noni Madueke – 6

Called up to the latest England squad and is mobile and nippy. Also seemed a bit stroppy and went straight down the tunnel when subbed in the 66th minute. Perhaps needed treatment.

Cole Palmer – 6

Maybe the sore knee is still troubling him. Only trained yesterday for the first time in almost a week. But it hampered his impact on a disjointed London derby.

Pedro Neto – 7

Starting to make his presence felt after being relegated to the Conference League matches. Stunning powerful drive for the equaliser and full of energy. 

Nicolas Jackson – 6

Feisty and fiery but went to ground too easily to win a couple of free kicks when he could have done more damage on his feet. Gives everything though.

Subs:

Enzo Fernandez (Lavia 66 mins) – 5

Has a fight on his hands to prove himself to boss Maresca despite his enormous price tag.

Mykhailo Mudryk (Madueke 66 mins) – 5

Pace and determination but still questions over his quality at the highest level.

Christopher Nkunku (Jackson 87 mins) – 5

Last throw of the dice by Chelsea to snatch a victory.