Arsenal started the season with a win in the Community Shield by beating Chelsea 4-1 on penalties. The game ended at 1-1 after Victor Moses’ early second half goal which resulted from a lapse in concentration by the Arsenal defence and a late equaliser from Sead Kolasinac from a free kick after Pedro was sent off for a dangerous tackle.
The penalty shootout saw the new ‘ABBA’ format for the first time. Thibaut Courtois of Chelsea stepped up to take the second for Chelsea and skied it inexplicably as though it was a goal-kick. Record signing Alvaro Morata stepped up and missed under extreme pressure in what was to be the final nail in the coffin for Chelsea.
Here are our player ratings from the match:
Thibaut Courtois -5/10
Made a few good saves, especially the one from Xhaka’s rasping drive. Still perplexed by his decision to step up for the penalty shoot-out and his poor penalty was eventually the beginning of the end for Chelsea.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6/10
Troubled by Iwobi’s pace early in the first half and also received an early yellow card after losing possession to Welbeck.
David Luiz -7/10
Usual energetic self at the heart of Chelsea’s back three. Commanding in the air.
Gary Cahill -7/10
Bossed Arsenal’s strikers without being too flashy. Played a major role in the opening goal by putting the ball back into the danger zone for Moses to convert.
Victor Moses -7/10
Opened the scoring with an extremely well-taken strike. His performance as right wing-back was not great though going forward as he rarely crossed the ball into danger areas.
Marcos Alonso – 6/10
Still does not look like the player who made such a major difference for Chelsea last year. Kept busy by Bellerin trying to break at every opportunity. Booked.
N’Golo Kante -7/10
Was his usual busy self. Made several good interceptions and tackles. Seems to have improved on his passing skills too.
Cesc Fabregas – 6/10
His passing was reliable but not quite exquisite. Struggled to take control in the middle of the park in the face of the dominant Xhaka and Elneny.
Pedro – 6/10
Bright in the beginning of the game running at the Arsenal defence. Faded as the game progressed. Sent off for a dangerous challenge on Elneny late on, resulting in a free kick which led to Arsenal’s equaliser.
Willian – 5/10
The Brazilian had to perform better in the absence of Hazard. But did not show much creativity with the ball except for a beautiful outside of the boot ball for Morata. Booked for diving in the first half.
Michy Batshuayi – 6/10
Looked sharp with his quick touches and snapshots. Struggled at times to physically hold the Arsenal defenders and turn them.
SUBSTITUTES:
Alvaro Morata – 5/10
Isolated up front. One good header that went just wide off the post. Came to take the penalty under immense pressure and missed. Chelsea fans will be hoping his confidence is not adversely affected.
Antonio Rudiger – 6/10
Replaced Alonso and slotted in the back three quite seamlessly. Should have done better to defend for Kolasinac’s goal.
Musonda – 5/10
Skipped past a couple of challenges and made a couple of good runs. Tried hard to make a good impression and did not disappoint within the time frame provided.
