Premier League giants Chelsea secured their first Champions League victory of the campaign after an emphatic 4-0 victory against Krasnodar in the second round of the group stages. The Blues were in control of proceedings right from the off, and despite the odd scare in front of goal from the home side, the London club were rather comfortable. Jorginho missed a penalty in the first-half, before Callum Hudson-Odoi opened the scoring because of a goalkeeping error.
The Blues were given another penalty in the second period, and because Jorginho had already been substituted, it was Timo Werner who stepped up to bury the spot-kick. Moroccan trickster Hakim Ziyech, who was making his full debut for Chelsea tonight, made it three, before a Christian Pulisic strike late on ensured that the scoreline flattered the Blues. With four points on the board from their first two fixtures, Chelsea are now pretty well positioned in what promises to be an intriguing group.
Here Are The Chelsea Player Ratings Vs Krasnodar:
Chelsea Player Ratings Vs Krasnodar
Edouard Mendy – 8
The Senegalese keeper seems to ooze confidence in the box, and he made a number of key saves to ensure that Krasnodar didn’t find the net. Vocal, and commands his box efficiently.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
The Spaniard held his ground while defending and didn’t allow his man to get past on too many occasions. Caught lacking offensively though, as his crosses weren’t quite up to the mark.
Kurt Zouma – 7
The big Frenchman put in a solid shift in the heart of defence as his passing and movement were both impressive. Dealt with a number of dangerous Krasnodar crosses into the area as well.
Antonio Rudiger – 8
The German international put in a solid showing in his return to first-team action for Frank Lampard. Made a number of key touches and looked assured with his passing for the most part too.
Ben Chilwell – 7
The Englishman got forward well and tried to link up the play all through the ninety. Didn’t have all that much to do defensively but never looked flustered when Krasnodar tried to build attacks.
Jorginho – 7
The Italian missed a great opportunity to open the scoring in the first half as he struck the post with his penalty. Composed as ever though, and never looked overly pressured in possession.
Mateo Kovacic – 7
The Croatian did give the ball away in dangerous positions on a few occasions, but more than made up for it with his defensive work and running. Had a ranged effort go narrowly wide as well.
Hakim Ziyech – 8
The Moroccan showed glimpses of exactly what he is all about in that match for the Blues tonight. Sprung some absolutely delectable passes before getting on the scoresheet with a good finish.
Kai Havertz – 8
The German sensation moved the ball around with supreme confidence, as his ability to turn players is uncanny. Made a number of smart runs and picked out some great forward passes as well.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 6
The speedster was undoubtedly the least effective Chelsea player on the pitch tonight, despite the fact that it was him who opened the scoring. Needs to get involved in the play a lot more.
Timo Werner – 7
The German won the second penalty, before tucking it away himself in great style. Wasn’t allowed space to run in behind, as the Krasnodar defence sat deep and watched him every step of the way.
Substitutes
N’Golo Kante – 6
The Frenchman put in a typical display in the core of the Chelsea team as he made some key blocks and interceptions. Passed it around effectively too.
Christian Pulisic – 6.5
The American did extremely well to score his first goal of the season, after he was expertly set up by Tammy Abraham in the late stages.
Mason Mount – 6
The Englishman was a bundle of energy after coming on, but he wasn’t able to produce the goods in the final third of the pitch.
Emerson – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
Tammy Abraham – NA
Picked up an assist but didn’t have time to make too much of an impact otherwise.
