When Frank Lampard woke up thinking about the game he had to manage this morning, he probably didn’t see things going quite like this. Chelsea and Ajax played an absolutely wild 4-4 draw, which had a little bit of everything – goals, own-goals, penalties and red cards. The game was at 1-1 within four minutes, after a Tammy Abraham own-goal on one end, and a Jorginho penalty at the other.
After that, the Dutch champions took control of the game and looked like they were going to cruise to a win when they scored their 4th goal on the 55th-minute mark. Cesar Azpilicueta then responded with a tap-in to make it 4-2, before an utterly twisted sequence of events saw both the Ajax centre-halves being sent off and Chelsea being awarded another penalty.
Jorginho converted from the spot yet again, before Reece James tied up the game in the 74th minute. After that, despite constant and considerable Chelsea pressure, the Dutch side were able to hold out for a draw, that is sure to go down in Champion League folklore.
Here are the Chelsea Player Ratings from their draw against Ajax:
Kepa Arizzabalaga – 6
The Spaniard was unfortunate to see Ziyech’s free-kick bounce into the net off his face but did well to save an Edson Alvarez shot in the final stages. He looked flustered by the Ajax pressure at times.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6
The Spaniard scored the Blues’ second goal on the night and effectively triggered their comeback. He had the ball in the net again in the second half and did well once he switched over the left side as well.
Kurt Zouma – 7
Another night, another dominant Kurt Zouma display. The Ajax set-pieces were driven into the box, to keep it away from the head of Zouma. He went on a mazy run and almost scored a blinder in the second half.
Fikayo Tomori – 6.5
The youngster was shaky on the ball on occasion and gave away a silly free-kick that led to the Kepa own goal. He showcased his pace and strength multiple times down the Blues’ left-hand side.
Marcos Alonso – 5
The Spanish full-back looked entirely out of it right from kick-off and spent most of the game on the periphery of proceedings. He was rightly taken off at half-time by Frank Lampard.
Jorginho – 7
A strong display from the Italian, who stepped up to the plate when it mattered and put away two confident penalties. Controlled the ball well in midfield after Ajax went down to nine men as well.
Mateo Kovacic – 7
Another sparkling display from the Croatian, who just seems to be in the form of his life. His ability to dribble out of tight situations has saved Lampard on multiple occasions this season.
Willian – 8
Arguably the Blues’ best player on the night, the Brazilian winger was a constant bundle of energy going forward. Tracking back and working hard off the ball as well, he’s proven to the Blues fans that he deserves a place in the team.
Mason Mount – 6
Was hugely influential in the first half, and was at the heart of everything good that Chelsea did. He faded away in the second half and limped off in the 60th minute to be replaced by Hudson-Odoi.
Christian Pulisic – 6
The American was ineffective for large parts of the game on the night, although he did show signs of his immense quality. Did well to drive into the box, to win the Blues’ first penalty.
Tammy Abraham – 6
The Englishman has multiple opportunities to get on the scoresheet, but all of his shots were either lacking in conviction or creeping wide. The worst part was that he contributed to the scoreline with an own goal as well.
Substitutes
Reece James – 7.5
The English full-back was a constant pain in the backside for the Ajax defenders after coming on, and he took his goal superbly as well. Azpilicueta better watch his back.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 7
The youngster seemed like a man on a mission when he came on, getting on the ball and trying to create opportunities for the winner.
Michy Batshuayi – NA
Should’ve done better with the one chance he got.
