A 4-0 humiliation against Bournemouth jeopardised Chelsea’s ‘top four’ hopes and cast doubts over their future under Maurizio Sarri. The Blues, however, had the most straightforward possible tie this afternoon as they welcomed bottom-placed Huddersfield Town at the Stamford Bridge.
The game, as predicted, turned out to be a stroll in the park for the hosts who shook off their midweek shambles and claimed a thumping 5-0 victory to get back to winning ways.
Below are the Chelsea players rated from their commanding win against Huddersfield Town.
Kepa Arrizabalaga: 7
A comfortable afternoon for the young Spaniard as he made a couple of decent stops and bagged a comfortable clean sheet after conceding four goals versus the Cherries.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 8
Kept on making runs forward, and forced Jonas Lossol into making a save. He was spot on with his tackles and link-up play. Also won a spot-kick late in the first half after being brought down by Elias Kachunga inside the box.
Andreas Christensen: 6.5
Impressed with his passing and distribution traits. However, was a bit clumsy while making tackles and could have conceded a penalty for tripping Kachunga inside his own box.
David Luiz: 8
The charismatic Brazilian was a constant threat while attacking the set-pieces and eventually found the net with a thumping header to make it 5-0 in the closing minutes of the game.
Marcos Alonso: 7.5
The Spaniard thoroughly dominated the game from the left flank using his pace, power and attacking attributes. Whipped in crosses, kept on making tackles and winning duels one after another throughout the game.
Jorginho: 7.5
Had plenty of touches while orchestrating the game from a central role. The Terriers failed to put pressure on the ex-Napoli midfield general which subsequently allowed him to dictate the flow from a deep-lying slot. Was replaced by Mateo Kovacic with 20 minutes remaining in the match.
N’Golo Kante: 8
The Frenchman had a much better display this afternoon compared to his recent games. Did not allow the visitors to take charge of the midfield game and set it up for Gonzalo Higuain twice – once each in both the halves. Made way for Ruben Loftus-Cheek late in the game.
Ross Barkley: 8.5
Not only assisted Eden Hazard for his second of the game but also kept on threatening the visitors with his pace, power and physicality. Exhibited his remarkable passing skills, distributed the long balls perfectly and often released through balls to split up the Terriers defensive line. Showed great awareness to find Hazard from the heart of the midfield and the Belgian made no mistake in slotting the ball past Lossl minutes after the hour mark.
Willian: 7.5
The Brazilian had an impressive outing down the right flank and came close to finding the net. However, assisted David Luiz from a trademark corner in the closing minutes of the game.
Eden Hazard: 9
The Belgian was exquisite all afternoon as he kept on terrorising the Huddersfield backline with his dribbling, passing and through balls. Converted his spot-kick late in the first half to make it 2-0 and showed great composure to find the net again picking up Barkley’s pass. Received massive applauds from the fans while making way for Callum Hudson-Odoi late in the game.
Gonzalo Higuain: 8.5
The Argentine was a persistent threat inside the box with his movements and goal-poaching instinct. Scored a brace and must have relieved the Chelsea fans who were longing for a natural goalscorer in place of the flop Alvaro Morata.
Substitutes
Mateo Kovacic: 6.5
Did well to hold possession and maintain the tempo since coming on in place of Jorginho.
Callum Hudson-Odoi: 6.5
Had an impressive cameo as he came close to finding the net in the final moments of the game.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
