Our skipper received 77 per cent of the vote for Player of the Match on the Chelsea Official App, and he was also chosen as the game’s official best player by host broadcaster Sky Sports.

It was easy to see why. As is often the case in high-profile fixtures, Blues head coach Enzo Maresca deployed James in the centre of midfield rather than at right-back.

In a keenly fought London derby, the 25-year-old rose to the challenge – and some.

Stepping up

James showcased his defensive and offensive capabilities across the 90 minutes, with his enviable array of qualities on display.

He won 11 of the 12 duels he contested – a game-high figure - by using his strength and skill to get the better of Arsenal players all over the pitch. Three – Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Zubimendi and Miles Lewis-Skelly – were booked for trying to stop James when he was in full flight, driving us forward from the middle of the park.

In total, the Blues captain made five final-third entries and won four fouls while not conceding one himself - no mean feat in a fast and furious derby.

After Moises Caicedo was dismissed, James was joined by Enzo Fernandez in central midfield. His performance levels only increased with the Blues down to ten, as he won possession back twice and created two chances.

Dangerous deliveries

From the second of those, shortly after the interval, James’ teasing near-post corner was flicked on and in by Trevoh Chalobah. It was James’ fourth assist in all competitions this season; no Chelsea player has provided more in 2025/26.

The Blues worked hard to ensure we still had a threat going forward as the game entered its closing stages, and James was central to that strategy.

He covered so much ground to help protect the back four, and when we were able to win the ball back, he tried to spring us into action. Two beautifully weighted diagonal passes left to Alejandro Garnacho at the end of such transitions caught the eye.

James played eight passes in the final third in total, a figure only bettered by Fernandez of Chelsea's outfielders. Earlier in the game, he had dropped deeper into a quarterback role in the middle of defence to launch attacking moves.

However, it was James’ performance in a midfield also containing Declan Rice and Zubimendi – starters for England and Spain respectively – that most impressed.

Indeed, his consistent and high-quality contributions meant that at times it was easy to forget we were down to ten men. There is no higher praise than that.