Frank Lampard’s Chelsea side have lost their driving seat in the race for Champions League football, after falling 3-0 to fellow European contenders Sheffield United tonight. The Blues started the game looking confident on the ball but were soon undone by a simple cross into the box by the home side. Chris Wilder’s team then went on to double their lead through another crossed goal, as Lampard’s woes worsened.
Despite substitutions at half-time and even a formation change, the trend of the game didn’t alter, Chelsea playing all the football, and Sheffield creating all the chances. The Blades got their third goal of the night with a swift counter-attack to put the cherry on top of what was a blistering win by the men in red and white.
Here Are The Chelsea Player Ratings Vs Sheffield United:
Chelsea Player Ratings Vs Sheffield United
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 4
Questions have to be asked about the Spaniard’s abilities now, as he made yet another mistake between the Chelsea sticks tonight. Never looked confident when a Sheffield shot came in.
Reece James – 4.5
The youngster struggled to get forward against the Blades as the opposing full-backs were constantly pressuring him. Tried to cross the ball, but didn’t beat the first man on a single instance.
Andreas Christensen – 4
The Dane didn’t have the best of outings at the back, and he was taken off at half-time by Lampard. Looked uncomfortable on the ball and should’ve dealt with the crosses a lot better.
Kurt Zouma – 5
The Frenchman should’ve dealt with the cross that led to the Blades’ second goal on the night. Passed the ball around with confidence and tried to play some good long balls forward as well.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 5
There wasn’t much more that the Spaniard could’ve done as the Chelsea attackers weren’t allowed space to work in by the well-drilled Sheffield back-line. Tried to push the team forward as well.
Jorginho – 4.5
The Italian controlled the tempo of the game from his position in midfield and didn’t play too many loose passes either. Got caught in possession on multiple occasions through the night though.
Mason Mount – 4
It was the youngster’s giveaway near the Chelsea box that eventually led to the Blades’ opener on the night. Another one of the players who was rightly taken off at half-time by Frank Lampard.
Ross Barkley – 5.5
The Englishman was arguably the Blues’ best player tonight, as he didn’t lose possession on too many occasions. Showed some good turns and beat the Blades’ press on a couple of instances.
Willian – 4.5
The Brazilian did absolutely nothing in the final third tonight as he struggled to find space to work in. Tried to cross the ball in the forwards, but never really looked like he was going to penetrate.
Tammy Abraham – 4.5
The young striker had an extremely poor game on his return to the eleven tonight. Erratic in possession and never really looked capable of holding the ball up or finding the Sheffield United net himself.
Christian Pulisic – 5
The American tried to make things happen in the final third but wasn’t helped out by his Chelsea teammates tonight. Sacrificed by Lampard to bring on the extra striker in the second half.
Substitutes
Marcos Alonso – 5
The Spaniard was brought on by the gaffer at half-time as he pressed to look for an opener. He worked hard in the final third, but wasn’t able to produce his usual quality.
Antonio Rudiger – 4
The German was another name introduced at half-time as Lampard tried to affect the fixture. He made some good clearances but fluffed his lines ahead of the Blades’ third goal in the late stages.
Olivier Giroud – 5
The Frenchman tried to make things happen in the Sheffield box but wasn’t allowed to get any clear chances. Had one opportunity but directed his header straight into Henderson’s clutches.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
