Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea: Premier League Player Ratings

by Jamie Clark

Arsenal and Chelsea are now just separated by a single point after the London clubs played out a tense draw in the final Premier League game before Christmas.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger tried and failed for the tenth time to beat Blues boss Jose Mourinho. Liverpool lead the way, but just two points separate them, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Everton as we approach the halfway house of Boxing Day.

Wenger made four changes after being hit for six at Manchester City last time out. Thomas Vermaelen and Kieran Gibbs replaced the injured Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal in defence. Jack Wilshere started a two-match ban and Mathieu Flamini dropped out, so Tomas Rosicky and Mikel Arteta returned.

Mourinho meanwhile had just five survivors from the Capital One Cup quarter-final extra time exit at Sunderland. Only Cesar Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill, Frank Lampard, John Obi Mikel and Willian kept their places. Petr Cech and John Terry returned to the back five alongside Branislav Ivanovic. Eden Hazard, Ramires and Fernando Torres were also restored.

No score draws usually defences are on top and that will be reflected in our player ratings. Click next below to discover who impressed the WhatCulture sports team in this battle of top flight heavyweights.

Contributor
Contributor

Jamie Clark is a qualified Web Journalist after undergoing professional training at the University of Sheffield. A prolific and accredited sports writer, he also enjoys classic comedy, historic fiction, 80s music and heritage.