Everything was going perfectly smoothly for Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino until the final 15 minutes against Arsenal.

The Blues boss had got his tactics spot on but he couldn’t account for individual mistakes from his players. Still, fans can take heart from the performance, if not the result.

It was definitely the most cohesive display since the arrival of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital as owners and it will be hoped that this is a sign of things to come.

Chelsea player ratings against Arsenal

Robert Sanchez – 2/10

The Spaniard looked nervous throughout the game, flapping at crosses and looking agitated when being marked by Arsenal’s Ben White at corners. It culminated with an awful pass directly to Declan Rice, who scored from long range, helping the Gunners back into the game when they looked down and out.

Malo Gusto – 5/10

The 20-year-old is not known for his defensive capabilities but he kept Gabriel Martinelli pretty quiet. Unfortunately, one lapse of concentration allowed Leandro Trossard to sneak in at the far post and score.

Thiago Silva – 8/10

The centre-back was outstanding all evening, making vital blocks and interceptions, but his efforts were in vain due to mistakes from his teammates.

Levi Colwill – 7/10

It took him a while to settle into his role alongside Silva in the centre of defence, but he put in a good performance to keep Gabriel Jesus from making an impact.

Marc Cucurella – 7/10

Supporters will want more performances like this from the Spaniard. Although Bukayo Saka was clearly not 100% fit, the fullback coped with the dangerous winger very well.

Enzo Fernandez – 7/10

The Argentine was part of a formidable midfield three which helped Chelsea dominate the game. He harassed and harried out of possession, whilst also producing some delightful passes.

Conor Gallagher – 8/10

The 23-year-old is thriving for the Blues. He has barely put a foot wrong in recent weeks and Pochettino is getting the best out of him.

Moises Caicedo – 7/10

Won the midfield battle with his opposite number Rice and he is gradually finding his footing at Stamford Bridge.

Raheem Sterling – 7/10

Pochettino asked him to track back and defend, and the England international duly obliged. He worked his socks off. The winger also made some telling runs, as well as getting the penalty with his cross that hit William Saliba’s hand.

Cole Palmer – 8/10

Starting the summer signing as a false 9 really paid off. He was everywhere and Arsenal’s defence found it really hard to pick him up.

Mykhailo Mudryk – 7/10

Got a bit lucky with his goal, which was clearly meant as a cross, but the Ukrainian, like Sterling on the opposite flank, really put in a shift.

Substitutes

Nicolas Jackson – 4/10 – The striker hesitated when he went one-on-one with the goalkeeper and allowed David Raya to take the ball off him.

Noni Madueke – 4/10 – Failed to close down the cross from Saka that led to Trossard’s equaliser.

Reece James – 5/10 – Was not able to get involved much but it was good to see the club captain back on the pitch.