Chelsea’s first game of 2018 ended in a 2-2 draw with London rivals Arsenal. Jack Wilshere opened the scoring for the Gunners, but the Blues equalised through an Eden Hazard penalty. Chelsea took the lead with six minutes left, but were unable to hold on for all three points as Hector Bellerin scored a sublime volley in injury time to share the points.
3. Cesc Fabregas
The Spaniard was in fine form last night. He could’ve opened the scoring in the first half, after being found brilliantly on the edge of the box by Hazard, but he couldn’t hit the target with his shot. Going forward, he was his usual self. He played a superb ball forward to Alvaro Morata, who took it under his control but couldn’t find a way past Petr Cech. A great performance, perhaps unlucky not to mark it with a goal or an assist.
2. Eden Hazard
Chelsea’s main attacking outlet during the game, and gave the Arsenal defence a lot to think about. Playing alongside Alvaro Morata in a 3-5-2 system, Hazard was allowed to roam. He equalised from the penalty spot after going down from a challenge from Bellerin. A perhaps controversial call from the referee, but the Belgian picked himself up and put the ball past the former Chelsea goalkeeper. Subbed off with ten minutes remaining, coming off with the slightest of limps.
1. Thibaut Courtois
This man kept Chelsea in the game in the first half. He denied Alexandre Lacazette in the first half with a good save, but produced a save the highest quality to deny Alexis Sanchez, whose shot came off both posts. The Belgian could do nothing about either goal, with both being out his reach. If the club needed a reminder why they need to offer Courtois a new deal, his performance certainly showed it.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
