Despite requesting a postponement in the wake of the Covid outbreak, Chelsea had their plea dismissed by Premier League ahead of locking horns with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday afternoon. The Blues were without an array of key individuals for the Molineux tie but managed to field a strong enough lineup banking on their depth as well as quality within the squad. Wolves, however, delivered yet another resilient display and held the European champions to a stalemate in this engaging encounter.
Below are the Chelsea players rated in their draw against Wolves.
Edouard Mendy: 7
Was alert between the sticks as he denied Leander Dendoncker’s header from a close range. Had to make little effort otherwise to grab a clean sheet.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 7
Operated from the right in Chelsea’s three-man backline. Mostly dealt with Daniel Podence’s moves, also made some key recoveries to avoid trouble against the run.
Thiago Silva: 8
Another majestic display from the veteran Brazilian who not only maintained his composure in the heart of the backline but also exhibited passing excellence in order to build up moves out from the back. Was quick to recover possession and had Raul Jimenez in his pockets all throughout the tie.
Antonio Rudiger: 7.5
A strong, physical display from the Germany international. Played it long from the deep to add variation in the game, made some tactical fouls and dominated the duels.
Reece James: 6.5
Whipped in a few crosses from the right-hand flank, but the young Englishman failed to offer his attacking expertise against Wolves’ off-the-ball work rate and zonal marking. Got dispossessed twice which led to a momentum shift in favour of the home side.
N’Golo Kante: 8.5
Class from the midfield maestro who worked tirelessly all afternoon from the middle of the park. Showed great composure with the ball at his feet, marshalled the defensive line, also created chances in the attacking third with his down the middle runs.
Trevoh Chalobah: 6.5
Lost a few duels while operating from midfield and looked hurt following a collision with Thiago Silva at the backend of the first half. Was taken off at halftime to be replaced by Saul Niguez.
Marcos Alonso: 7.5
Lively from the left with his tireless runs, crosses and long balls. Made some crucial tackles and interceptions to stop Wolves’ counterattacks. A steady performance overall from the wingback.
Hakim Ziyech: 6.5
Attempted a few duels from the wide, but his lack of creative spark in the attacking third led to more frustration in the absence of Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku. Made way for Mateo Kovacic midway through the second half.
Mason Mount: 7
Created most chances in the match, kept on whipping in crosses repeatedly, however, the hosts did extremely well to close down space and refrain the Englishman from causing problems.
Christian Pulisic: 6
Retained his place as the makeshift ‘number 9’. But the USMNT international had the least touches of any outfield player to play 90 minutes or more. Missed a great opportunity to find the net as his effort was denied in Wolves goal.
Chelsea Subs Vs Wolves
Saul Niguez: 7
Did well with his passing and link-up play, much better than his previous outings since moving to Stamford Bridge on a season-long loan deal from Atletico Madrid.
Mateo Kovacic: 7
Added physicality in midfield as the Blues were losing the grip.
