The first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Arsenal has come to an end with the sides stuck in a deadlock. After last week’s pulsating 2-2 draw at the Emirates, fans of both sets of clubs will be let disappointed by tonight’s drab 0-0 score line and will be hoping that the contest picks up pace in the second leg. Here is how the Chelsea players performed on a night they could come away with more than a draw.
Thibaut Courtois: 6.5
A spectator for most of the match, Courtois was called upon to make a smart save in the first half and was barely involved in the game in the second.
Victor Moses: 6
Another subpar performance from the Nigerian as his one dimensional attacking is starting to become predictable. Maitland-Niles had an easy night coping with him.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 7.5
Another good night for the Spanish defender, Azpilicueta did not put a foot wrong in the match and did well to cope with the threat of Alexis Sanchez late on.
Andreas Christensen: 6
Was rock solid defensively but failed to make his mark upon the game in attack. On a night when the young Dan could have been celebrating his contract extension with the fans, he failed to convert two easy headers into goals.
Antonio Rudiger: 7
A solid and technically sound performance from the German as he did well to cover for the tired Marcos Alonso on multiple occasions.
Marcos Alonso: 6.5
Looked solid going front and was a constant threat whenever he made his little runs into the box. However, defensively he was caught out time and again by Hector Bellerin’s pace.
N’Golo Kante: 8
A solid performance from Chelsea’s battery as Kante ran for another ninety minutes once again. He was on board to make crucial interceptions from time to time with Chelsea needing his help to initiate a lot of attacks.
Cesc Fabregas: 7
The Spaniard was not up to his usual standard of passing and misplaced plenty of passes in the first half. He was still Chelsea’s best outlet in terms of creating spaces and passes as he tried to put Morata through on multiple occasions.
Danny Drinkwater: 6.5
Brought in to replace Tiemoue Bakayoko, the Englishman played a decent game but could never establish control over a midfield that was too crowded all throughout the match.
Eden Hazard: 7
The Belgian looked tired and needed some more rest to perform. He lost balls and misplaced passes which on other nights he probably would not have done and Conte will be looking to rest his star man lest he risks burning out Hazard.
Alvaro Morata: 6.5
An improved display from the Spaniard after his horror show at the Emirates, he was desperate to get on the score sheet tonight and it was far too evident.
Substitutes:
Willian: 6
Played well on the night but not sharp enough to break down the Gunners defence
Michy Batshuayi: N/A
Tiemoue Bakayoko: N/A
