Arsenal player ratings vs Chelsea as William Saliba leads five 8/10s to Wembley

Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players in their clash with Chelsea

Arsenal booked their place in the League Cup final after securing an aggregate victory over Chelsea. Their first trip to Wembley for a major cup final since 202

A first half of very few chances ensued, with the best falling to Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel, who both found their routes to goal impeded. Chelsea made big changes early in the second half, with Estevao and Cole Palmer coming on, changing the three at the back shape which Liam Rosenior started with.

The second half was more of the same for the most part, but with Chelsea getting more territory in the Gunners’ half. A Palmer free-kick caused some late drama with the Chelsea players wanting a penalty but VAR checked and cleared.

Arsenal would counter at the end and find the back of the net with former Blue Havertz scoring!

Here is how fooball.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players involved:

Kepa Arrizabalaga – Forced into a relatively comfortable save from a shot from Enzo from outside the box. That was the only shot on his goal he was forced to save all game. 7

Jurrien Timber – Did so well to prevent a very dangerous Chelsea counterattack in the second half and earned Estevao a booking to boot. But stayed strong defensively throughout especially with the changing left wing options of the Blues. 8

William Saliba – A clean sheet and another very good performance of calm and composure, often seeing out the forays of the Chelsea press. This was the type of performance that sends your team into finals. 9

Gabriel – Had to stay strong throughout and could have had a couple of goals if his touch was better in the first half. His header in the second should have found the target, too, and not Cucurella’s head. 8

Piero Hincapie – Strike from outside the box tested Sanchez, who forced it into the path of Gabriel. Was really solid defensively too on the left, probably his best game so far for his new club. 8

Martin Zubimendi – Metronomic in the middle as usual from the Spaniard. Found the tempo and pace of the game, with some important break-ups of play too. 8

Declan Rice – Played a poor pass to give away possession in the middle of the park; thankfully, no chance came from it. Struggled to find his usual flow, some misplaced passes too.

But found the roar of the crowd around the 75^th minute after winning the ball off Palmer. Found the assist to Kai Havertz at the end for the winner! 8

Eberechi Eze – Relatively invisible in the first half, not able to get involved in the game, missing the ball when it dropped for him in the box. 6

Noni Madueke – Had a great battle with Marc Cucurella throughout the game as the former teammates duelled it out. He probably won the war, just, but was replaced in the second half after failing to find the key moment. 6

Viktor Gyokeres – Had few touches in the first half, but at the start of the second, did well to win the ball and try to find a cross for Martinelli, but beyond that was not involved. 5

Gabriel Martinelli – Best chance of the early stages fell to the Brazilian, who was played in behind, spun to strike, but was blocked by Gusto. Wanted a penalty toward the end of the game when again running in behind but Chalobah got the ball. 7

Substitutes:

Kai Havertz – Sent Arsenal to Wembley! Goal right at the death taking it round Robert Sanchez to finish. 7

Leandro Trossard – Replaced Madueke with Martinelli moving to the right. Helped to see the game out with some nice movements. 6