Chelsea locked horns with FC Zenit at the Saint Petersburg Stadium earlier this evening as they hoped to pick up all three points on the road. The Blues made a dream start to the game as they took the lead in the second minute courtesy of Timo Werner’s tap-in from close range. However, the home team equalised in the 38th minute via Claudinho’s header before Sardar Azmoun completed the turnaround just three minutes later when he found the back of the net with a composed finish. Thomas Tuchel’s men went into the half-time break 2-1 down on the scoreline.
Romelu Lukaku scored the leveler for Chelsea just after the hour mark. Timo Werner went on to score again with a low strike in the 85th minute to put the Blues ahead on the night. However, there was another twist in the tale as Magomed Ozdoyev scored an injury-time equaliser for Zenit with a brilliant volley. The contest finished with Chelsea being held to a 3-3 draw.
Let’s take a look at how each Chelsea player performed during the match against Zenit.
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6.5/10
The Spanish keeper made a few solid saves but won’t be pleased after shipping in three goals during the game.
CB: Cesar Azpilicueta – 6.5/10
He won a couple of headers and made several important interceptions at the back. He also didn’t take any chances with his clearances.
CB: Andreas Christensen – 6/10
Christensen was good on the ball and has got an assist to show for his efforts. However, he will be disappointed for conceding three goals tonight.
CB: Malang Sarr – 7/10
He won his fair share of aerial duels and cleared his lines at the back when required. Sarr even got stuck in with a few tackles to make it difficult for the home team.
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RW: Callum Hudson-Odoi – 6/10
The talented speedster struggled to give a good account of himself at both ends of the field. He got replaced after the hour mark.
CM: Reece James – 7.5/10
The English sensation did his best to fill in as a makeshift holding midfielder and protected his backline quite well at times. He also made two good runs going forward.
CM: Ross Barkley – 6.5/10
The ex-Everton player made a few decent chances for his teammates to score. He ran out of gas and got substituted in the 64th minute.
LW: Saul Niguez – 7/10
The Spaniard performed his defensive duties well and made a couple of solid interceptions. He was always looking to have a strike at goal.
CAM: Mason Mount – 6.5/10
Mount made a couple of inviting chances for others around him but there was no goal for him this evening.
ST: Timo Werner – 9/10
The German striker scored twice and set up Lukaku’s goal as well. He deserves to be named the man of the match.
ST: Romelu Lukaku – 7.5/10
The Belgian centre-forward made two key chances and got his name on the scoresheet in the 62nd minute to equalise for Chelsea.
Substitutes:
RW: Christian Pulisic – 7/10
He was quite lively on the ball and has got an assist to show for his efforts.
CM: Hakim Ziyech – 6.5/10
Ziyech won the ball back a couple of times after coming off the bench.
LW: Marcos Alonso – 6/10
The Spanish wide player offered very little on the field.
ST: Kai Havertz – 6/10
He didn’t get a sniff at goal.
