It's horrible to agree with Alan Shearer, but the team that wandered on to the pitch in a lacklustre manner for the second half didn't look as if they could turn around a 1-0 deficit against a team with a rather good home record. One swing of Robin's "trusty" right boot and the match was turned around. Will it have a similar effect on our season? I have no idea. Anyone betting money on this team needs their head examined. I've put a pound on us to win the league…
Manuel Almunia - 5 - Two poor punches and a suicidal throw - a disappointing performance considering he will never have an easier game against a big four club.
Bacary Sagna - 7 - We need him fit and in this form. Proper defending from a natural full back.
William Gallas - 8 - Rose to the occasion magnificently, but he often does. Playing at his best against Wigan will be the test.
Johan Djourou - 8 - Proved his mettle by putting the unlucky og behind him with a fine display. If our players need to learn, this is one who showed he can do so quickly.
Gael Clichy - 7 - The first half was a continuation of his poor form, the second showed why he has become so popular and so valuable. A welcome return to form.
Denilson - 6 - Out of position, but as ever performed manfully and provided a tremendous through ball to RvP (never offside) for the first goal.
Alexandre Song - 7 - Even if we never quite got to grips with the Chelsea midfield, Song provided a barrier in front of a far more secure back 4.
Cesc Fabregas - 7 - More like the Cesc of (not very) old.
Samir Nasri - 6 - Anonymous in the first half but got stuck in during the second to severely restrict the raids of the dangerous Bosingwa.
Robin van Persie - 7 - Tremendous finishes and wasn't that far from a hat-trick. Still a nagging feeling that there is so much more to come from him.
Emmanuel Adebayor - 7 - Vital contributions even if he wasn't at his best or his fittest.
Substitutes:
Nicklas Bendtner - 6 - Useful albeit brief showing.