Chelsea failed to pull away from the chasing pack for a Champions League place for next season as they were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal at the Emirates.
A Mikel Merino first half header was enough for the hosts, as the Blues were punished for a slow start in the London derby.
Enzo Maresca was forced to deal with Cole Palmer not being available for selection after picking up an injury that will keep him out until after the international break.
Chelsea created very little in front of goal without their star man pulling the strings. The closest they came was via Marc Cucurella’s volley that was spilled just wide by David Raya.
As some first team stars did little to prove that they should be considered for the key games to come, The Chelsea Chronicle have rated the Blues for their performances against Arsenal.
Chelsea player ratings vs Arsenal
Robert Sanchez: 3/10
After gaining the faith of his manager to become the Premier League number one, Robert Sanchez did little to impress at the Emirates.
Constantly shaky in possession, the Spaniard gave the defence in front of him no confidence, with him looking uncertain catching crosses and dealing with relatively comfortable shots on goal.
Wesley Fofana: 4/10
Wesley Fofana impressed against Leicester in his first start since early December, however did not have the same joy at the Emirates.
The Frenchman surived a VAR check for a red card in the first half as Declan Rice obstructed the ball, but looked uncomfortable until he was replaced in the second half.
Benoit Badiashile: 4/10
Struggled with the pace of the Arsenal attack down the right as they dominated the London derby right from the start.
Benoit Badiashile is being eased back into action after a lengthy injury layoff, but did little to suggest that he should be a regular in the backline for the rest of the season.
Levi Colwill: 5/10
Performed better than his partner in the back two, however Levi Colwill was unable to put in a dominant display at the back that he would have hoped for.
After being called up to Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad, he will be looking to find some form when away with the Three Lions.
Marc Cucurella: 6/10
Did a pretty good job up against a lively Gabriel Martinelli, and came closest to scoring for the Blues in the first half with a big assist to David Raya.
Marc Cucurella has proven himself to be crucial for Chelsea recently, and his presence on the pitch will be necessary in the run in.
Reece James: 5/10
Reece James was operated in the midfield again for the Blues, with Romeo Lavia not yet trusted to make a start.
The skipper would have perhaps been better suited to right-back, where Fofana struggled against both Leandro Trossard and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Moises Caicedo: 6/10
Moises Caicedo looked the only player willing to put a tackle in for the Blues in stages where they were being completely dominated by their opponents.
Despite being one yellow card away from a two-game suspension, the Premier League’s record signing was not afraid to put his foot in and try and get Chelsea on the front foot.
Enzo Fernandez: 5/10
Took a few pot shots from range, but Enzo Fernandez was unable to have any real influence on the attack as Chelsea laboured for much of the 90 minutes.
The World Cup winner was clearly frustrated with the performance from the visitors, letting his anger out on Arsenal defender Gabriel after he thought the Brazilian made the most of a challenge.
Christopher Nkunku: 4/10
An absolute non-factor for Chelsea on the left-wing, Christopher Nkunku’s nightmare few months at Stamford Bridge went from bad to worse.
When the Blues needed someone to step up in the absence of Cole Palmer, the Frenchman was not up to the task.
Jadon Sancho: 5/10
Was actually one of the better players in attack as Chelsea withstood the wave of Arsenal pressure early on, however Jadon Sancho offered very little goalscoring threat again.
With Noni Madueke set to return after the international break, the Manchester United loanee looks as if he will be the one to make way from the starting squad.
Pedro Neto: 6/10
Frequently offered the only option for Chelsea going forwards, however Pedro Neto often found himself isolated as the Blues struggled to compete.
The Portugal international proved that he is still the best option for that position in the absence of Nicolas Jackson, who is expected back after the international break.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: 5/10
A rare appearance off the bench for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall following his strong performance against Copenhagen in the Conference League.
The midfielder was one of a number of subs who were not given enough time to make an impact on proceedings.
Tyrique George: 5/10
After a number of impressive cameos off the bench, Tyrique George was another who didn’t have time to change the game after Maresca decided to hold back on his subs.
