Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal, Player Ratings: Reece James, our very own

1. REECE JAMES (9.2)

It’s not been talked about too much, perhaps for fear of whispering it too loud and thus inviting disaster, but Reece James has been able to stay fit all season thus far, featuring in all thirteen of our league games (starting nine). Though his minutes have been carefully (and successfully) managed, he started all three of our games in the last eight days.

And he saved his best for the third of those three starts, putting in a most imperious shift in the heart of midfield. Love to see it!

2. TREVOH CHALOBAH (8.3)

Speaking of under the radar, Trevoh Chalobah has quietly and confidently established himself as an essential part of the backline and surely one of the first names on the team sheet. Always available, always reliable, and usually good for a few goals every year, too.

Reecey and Trev, the two longest serving members of the team — even if we don’t look at their Academy years — stepping up huge in a massive game.

3. ROBERT SÁNCHEZ (8.3)

A few excellent saves, solid aerial presence, and a couple excellent out-balls to start counter-attacking moves. Bob’s still prone to the occasional bit of madness — what goalkeeper isn’t? — but in general, he seems to have settled into a bit of a groove.

vs. BARCELONA (CL, H, W 3-0)

EXCEPTIONAL (8.5-9.5): James (9.2)

EXCELLENT (7.5-8.4): Sánchez (8.3), Cucurella (7.5)

GOOD (6.5-7.4): Fofana (7.4,), Enzo (7.3), Neto (7.3), Gusto (7.3)

AVERAGE (5.5-6.4): João Pedro (6.3), Garnacho (6.3, sub), Estêvão (6.0), Delap (6.0 sub)

SUBPAR (4.5-5.4): Caicedo (4.5)

BAD (3.5-4.4): —

TERRIBLE (2.5-3.4): —

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