- The Guardian,
- Monday March 24 2008
Chelsea
Carlo Cudicini: 7
Beaten at his near post by Sagna, blotting an otherwise assured display. Is enjoying his run in the team.
Michael Essien: 6
The best right-back at the club? Not on this evidence. Could not get forward as much as Grant would have wanted.
Ricardo Carvalho: 7
Spilt blood for the cause, after a coming together with Flamini, he helped to nullify Adebayor.
John Terry: 7
Typified the Chelsea commitment, taking a host of knocks as he put his body on the line for his team.
Ashley Cole: 6
It was almost a relief that he avoided controversy as he braved abuse from travelling support. Largely solid.
Michael Ballack: 7
Unhappy to have been substituted, he left the field slowly, shaking his head, following a prominent performance.
Claude Makelele: 6
Mystified as to why he was withdrawn, he had been a degree under the form he has shown in recent weeks.
Frank Lampard: 6
Struggled to make his mark in the early running but threatened more towards the game's conclusion.
Joe Cole: 6
Came into the game as it wore on. Despite Clichy's attentions, still enjoyed several moments in final third.
Didier Drogba: 8
Having spurned a glorious first-half opportunity with poor control, he became the hero late on.
Salomon Kalou: 6
A favourite of Grant's but did not endear himself just before half-time when he air-kicked in front of goal.
Substitutes
Belletti (for Ballack, 70)
Anelka (for Makelele, 70)
Obi (for Joe Cole, 88)
Not used Hilario, Alex.
Arsenal
Manuel Almunia: 7
Exposed for the first goal, he got a hand to the winner but could not prevent it. Saved well from Drogba late on.
Bacary Sagna: 7
One or two loose moments early on were forgotten as he settled into his characteristic rhythm. Limped off.
Kolo Toure: 6
Showed no quarter as he marshalled Arsenal's defence but was guilty of losing Drogba for the Chelsea winner.
William Gallas: 6
Seemed to relish crowd's jeers. Allowed Drogba to get in on 25 minutes; and had other nervy moments.
Gael Clichy: 7
Confronted with the in-form Joe Cole, he kept the England midfielder as quiet as he has been in recent weeks.
Emmanuel Eboue: 6
Clipped his own wings as early as the fifth minute, by getting himself booked for charging down a free-kick.
Cesc Fabregas: 6
Always comfortable in possession, he looked to spring Arsenal forward with precision through balls.
Mathieu Flamini: 6
Forced Cudicini into a save just after half-time, his industry might go unheralded but is not unnoticed by his team.
Alexander Hleb: 7
His Italian ice-cream habit might irk Wenger but, in a central role off the striker, his quick feet were a delight.
Emmanuel Adebayor: 6
Dropped deep and wide in search of possession, he worked tirelessly but did not enjoy any clear-cut chances.
Robin van Persie: 6
Played away from his favoured central role on the left flank, he struggled to exert an influence.
Substitutes
Diaby (for Sagna, 72)
Bendtner (for Flamini, 88)
Walcott (for Van Persie, 76)
Not used Lehmann, Senderos.
Referee Mark Clattenburg
Ratings: David Hytner
