Player Ratings: Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea

A surprisingly quiet evening for the Pole, who was solid in the air and distributed the ball well when needed. Ivanovic's goal ended his chances of a clean sheet, but the young shot-stopper will not worry too much about that.

Provided width on the right whenever Walcott looked to move in-field. Was occasionally troubled by Malouda's breaking runs, but generally recovered well and dug in to help ensure the positive result.

Did well against the often difficult threat of Drogba, and won more than his share of headers from set-pieces, up until Ivanovic's disappointing finish. Frenchman has every right to be satisfied with his display, although there is still some room for improvement.

A surprise selection ahead of Squillaci, the Swiss international showed his worth with a number of uncompromising challenges against the ever-present Drogba. Wenger's trust proved not to be misplaced; the youngster finally looks to be delivering on his long-known potential.

The Frenchman continues to look like a liability-in-waiting, but defended diligently against Kalou as and when required. Attacking offerings could have been more considered.

Took opening goal with clinical touch befitting a striker, reacting quickest as the ball ran loose in the box. It was a deserved strike after initiating the build-up, and Song was otherwise important as he took turns to sit deepest in midfield.

Nervous in the opening exchanges — regularly losing the ball — the young Englishman grew into the game as it went on and proved increasingly comfortable in possession. As Chelsea went all-out for the win, his technique and ability to pick a pass became increasingly evident.

Again his side's biggest attacking thrust, despite the return of Fabregas. Frenchman's touch and vision caused Chelsea numerous problems as they struggled to contain him. Was gifted a chance by Kakuta that could have finished the game, but fluffed his lines.

Not as influential as in many games, the Spaniard nevertheless made his presence felt with the final touch in the build-up to Song's goal and then the finishing touch to his side's second shortly after half-time. His touch and composure on the ball aided his side greatly.

Showed why he was selected to lead the line with a series of intelligent runs in behind the defence. Showed continued signs of rust with some of his finishing, however, but made up for that with intelligent play that led to both the Gunners' goals shortly after the interval.

Made one spectacular save from Nasri, after a solid one to deny the Frenchman earlier on, just before half-time, but could do little as Song slide the ball past him. Could perhaps have done better in the build-up to the second, but was let done by his defence both then and for Walcott's clincher. Made a couple of smart saves to keep his side in with a shout after that, but his team-mates could not take advantage.

Will feel he could have positioned himself better for the opening goal. Subtle header gave side a much-needed route back into the match and as the game entered the later stages was a formidable presence as he was given licence to run. Nevertheless, will be disappointed how easily space was found between himself and Terry but was still one player to emerge with some credit.

Invoked the ire of the Emirates crowd with a few hefty challenges that certainly bordered on clumsy. But was his usual imperious self from defensive situations, until Arsenal suddenly found space for Walcott shortly after half-time.

Always greeted with boos from the crowd, Cole enjoyed a competitive individual dual with Walcott — but, in what is a rare occurance, he undoubtedly lost it. A performance symptomatic of his side's current malaise.

Not quite the energy or fire we have come to expect from Essien, who hassled and harried throughout but seemed to lack a bit of sharpness. In attack Arsenal seemed to negate his presence with some ease.

Guilty of some poor long-range passing, the Nigerian was more circumspect with his short exchanges. Made few interventions but was often bypassed by Arsenal's fluid midfield system.

Experience and skills had clear impact from the off, but the Englishman perhaps still lacks the match fitness to be the bustling box-to-box presence we know him to be and was rendered impotent as Arsenal flooded the central areas.

Did not make the most of another start in a big game. Guilty of one horrible challenge on Clichy, the Ivory Coast international rarely turned dangerous positions into dangerous chances. Was more threatening later in the game, but by then the result was getting away from the visitors.

The Frenchman made a number of significant runs that threatened to open up Arsenal, but in the end he was often shut-down before he could get a real sight of goal.

The Ivorian has scored 13 in his last 11 against the Gunners, but he rarely looked like adding to that in this game. Provided assist for Ivanovic's headed effort in what was another distinctly underwhelming performance from the usually prolific forward.