CHELSEA will be hoping Cole Palmer's absence is a short one based off tonight's evidence.

Mauricio Pochettino was without his star man, who had scored ten goals in five games, for tonight's visit to the Emirates.

And the away trip turned out to be a nightmare as the Gunners went four points clear at the top of the table thanks to a 5-0 thrashing.

Leandro Trossard set the home side away after just four minutes.

But a flurry of second half goals saw Ben White and former Blues star Kai Havertz both score braces.

It's a result that is far from ideal for Chelsea's hopes of moving into the top six, with it leaving them three points behind Newcastle who are level with Manchester United.

Here's how SunSport's Andy Dillon rated the Blues on a nightmare night in north London.

Djordje Petrovic - 6

Series of emergency saves including one from his own defender in the first half.  Deserves a better scoreline than he got.

Alfie Gilchrist - 5

Exposed by the two-pronged attack from Rice and Trossard so early, leading to the opener. A tough night for a young kid against rampant Arsenal.

Axel Disasi - 5

Shaky start then rallied only to succumb in the second half. Although it was midfield where Chelsea really lost the plot.

Benoit Badiashile - 5

Swamped at times by the overpowering Arsenal. Despite the scoreline it wasn’t the defenders mainly at fault.

Marc Cucurella - 5

Started the match in solid form. Then collapsed like the rest of his team. Caught for the third and fourth goals to undermine a solid first half.

Enzo Fernandez - 4

Can pick a nice pass but maybe is still feeling the effects of recent injury/illness. No comparison to opposite number Declan Rice. Way below par.

Moises Caicedo - 4

Has trod a thin line between robust defensive play and overstepping the mark of late. Unimpressive and uninspiring again.

Conor Gallagher - 5

Skipper again and always full of energy. Came close to tucking away an equaliser then inadvertently laid it on for Ben White to score. 5

Noni Madueke - 6

Emerging as a forceful young player but doesn’t get as many starts as he should. In for sick Cole Palmer and did well on the right flank as the best outfield man for The Blues.

Nicolas Jackson - 4

Seems to do the hard but then fumbles at the final moment. How he didn’t head Chelsea level only he can explain.

Mykhailo Mudryk - 4

Comes to life in fits and starts. Capable of great things but also silly misplaced passes and lapses in concentration.

Subs

Trevoh Chalobah (Fernandez 66 mins) - 5

Game was up by the time he came on.

Raheem Sterling (Mudryk 67 mins) - 5

Tame free kick from distance but coming on at four down what can anyone really hope for?

Thiago Silva (Gilchrist 76 mins) - 5

His dream is turning sour as he nears the end of his contract.

Cesare Casadei (Madueke 76 mins) 5

A boy thrown into a bloodbath.