Chelsea are no longer in the Premier League title race but are in contention to lift the EFL Cup having progressed through to the semifinals. The Blues, meanwhile, started their FA Cup journey this afternoon with a view to defending the same having won it the previous term. Sarri’s men clinched a comfortable 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge against Nottingham Forest.
The London heavyweights failed to break the deadlock in the first half, but an Alvaro Morata brace after the break ensured progress through to the next round of this prestigious domestic contest.
Below are the Chelsea players rated in their dominant win against Forest.
Willy Caballero: 7
The visitors failed to test the veteran Argentine who made a couple of routine stops and exhibited great passing traits while making the distribution. A comfortable clean sheet for the Chelsea custodian.
Davide Zappacosta: 7.5
Was influential down the right flank as he kept on making overlapping runs and also tested Luke Steele in Forest goal on a number of occasions.
Andreas Christensen: 8
Maintained an astounding 98% passing accuracy and also did well to contain Daryl Murphy who failed to threaten the hosts. Was strong aerially as well as physically which helped him dominate inside the box.
David Luiz: 7.5
Was not troubled much defensively by the visitors but often helped build the move up from the back with his trademark long balls.
Emerson: 7.5
Showed his great dribbling traits as he kept on creating moves from the left flank. Did well to combine with Ross Barkley and Callum Hudson-Odoi, and kept on threatening the Forest backline exploring the width of the pitch.
Cesc Fabregas: 7
Had 105 touches which reflects his ability to run the show from central midfield. But the Spaniard failed to fool Steele with his run and got denied by the Forest custodian from the spot around the half-hour mark. Got replaced by N’Golo Kante in the final minutes of the game.
Ethan Ampadu: 7.5
The highly-rated youngster commanded the midfield with his passing and pressing. Was creative and purposeful with his runs as his moves often created space for the attackers to threaten upfront.
Ross Barkley: 7.5
The England international was instrumental in carrying the ball forward and combining with fellow attackers to form goal-bound opportunities in the attacking third.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek: 7
Had a strong start as he won a spot-kick which, however, was saved by Steele in Forest goal. But the Englishman was forced to leave the pitch with a back problem late in the first half and got replaced by Belgian sensation Eden Hazard.
Callum Hudson-Odoi: 8.5
The English wonderkid was outstanding this afternoon as he assisted both the goals exhibiting his exquisite crossing attributes from the left. He should be integrated more with the senior squad and must be retained at the Bridge to serve his boyhood side for years to come.
Alvaro Morata: 9
Although failed to live up to the expectations since completing a high-profile move the last summer, the Spaniard found the net twice in the second half to extend their Cup run. Missed some great opportunities yet proved to be the difference between these two sides on Saturday afternoon. Was taken off to be replaced by Cesar Azpilicueta late in the game.
Substitutes
Eden Hazard: 7
Came in place of Loftus-Cheek late in the first half. His runs, as always, caused menace and created enough space for his teammates to threaten the opponents.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 6
Enjoyed his time on the pitch with some decent link-up football from the deep.
N’Golo Kante: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
