[Ratings] Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea: How The Blues Boys Rated

Chelsea held Arsenal to a 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium on Monday night. Here, Blues fan Joe Carroll gives us his player ratings from the game.

Chelsea missed out on the chance to go joint top of the Premier League for Christmas after a feisty goalless draw with Arsenal at the Emirates.

Frank Lampard came closest to breaking the deadlock when he struck the bar in the first half. John Obi Mikel may have been fortunate to stay on the pitch following a studs-up tackle on Mikel Arteta while Olivier Giroud went close on two occasions in the second half before Thomas Vermaelen had a header cleared off the line in injury time.

The hosts would have wrestled Liverpool from the top of the Premier League tree for Christmas had they won but despite the incentives on offer for both sides neither could take advantage, leaving Chelsea two points behind the leaders in 4th place.

Chelsea went close to taking a first half lead when Ramires, who started the move, headed over from a Branislav Ivanovic cross. Lampard then struck the cross bar with an almost inch-perfect volley after Eden Hazard played a lofted through ball.

The games first controversies took place within 20 seconds of each other, first Mikel leaving it late with a high, studded tackle on Arteta. Play continued and Willian came under the spotlight when he appeared to trip Theo Walcott in the penalty area. Neither foul was given, nor any card awarded to the Chelsea pair.

Willian had a good chance before the break when Chelsea went on the counter but the Brazlian’s effort was straight at Wojciech Szczesny.

Arsenal were much more enthusiastic in the second half and Giroud had two chances to win the game, slicing wide finding himself in acres of space and then foiled by a strong Petr Cech after Kieran Gibbs had crossed.

Lampard’s hit from 25 yards was one of Chelsea’s only meaningful chance of the second half while Cesar Azpilicueta was at hand to ensure Chelsea took a point in the last minute, blocking on the line from Vermaelen’s header.

Chelsea Player Ratings

Cech- 7- made a very brave stop from Giroud, throwing himself in front of the Frenchman to deny a certain goal.

Ivanovic- 6- steady game, made a few ventures forward ending in crosses for good opportunities.

Cahill- 7- made a very good saving tackle in the first half, cutting out a Sagna cross.

Terry- 8- a good performance from the skipper, leading his side well against a potent attacking force- MOM.

Azpilicueta- 6- made a vital block on the line, stopping a certain winning goal in injury time.

Lampard- 7- had the games best chance when he struck the cross bar with a volley. Passed well in midfield.

Mikel- 6- not the Nigerian’s best game. Very lucky not to be sent off for a poor tackle on Arteta.

Hazard- 8- a lively performance from the Belgian winger. Fully of running and put Arsenal defenders on the back foot with his speed. Set up Lampard when he hit the bar.

Willian- 6- a good performance but should have done better with his two goal-scoring chances which were tamely struck.

Ramires- 7- his typical surging runs from a central position created space and chances for others. Went close with a header in the first half after good initial work in the build up.

Torres- 5- nice cushioned header to set up Lampard to strike from long-range but offered little otherwise.

Subs

Oscar- 6- on for Willian after 77 minutes. Was tidy enough.

Schurrle- 5- on for Hazard but produced little in the 17 minutes he was on the pitch.

Luiz- 5- on for Torres with just three minutes of normal time so not long enough to impress.

Did you think it was a poor game or a feisty affair?…Who was Chelsea’s best player?…Was it a matter of a good performance but lacking in fire power?…Was this a point earned or two points dropped?…please leave your comments below…