Chelsea locked horns with Red Bull Salzburg at the Red Bull Arena earlier this evening as they looked to secure a good result away from home in the UEFA Champions League. The Blues made a bright start to this game and got their noses ahead in the 23rd minute courtesy of Mateo Kovacic’s excellent left-footed strike. Graham Potter’s men went into the half-time break with a narrow 1-0 lead.
Junior Adamu equalised for the home team in the 48th minute with a composed finish. However, Kai Havertz helped Chelsea regain their lead when he found the back of the net with a brilliant strike. The contest ended with the West London club securing a hard-fought 2-1 win on the road.
Let’s take a look at how each Chelsea player performed during the match against Red Bull Salzburg.
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga – 8/10
The Spanish keeper made a lot of important saves during the game and did well to restrict the opposition to just one goal.
CB: Trevoh Chalobah – 7/10
Chalobah cleared the danger when needed and earned the ball back twice for his team.
CB: Thiago Silva – 7.5/10
The Brazilian defender snuffed out the danger when the opposition are on the offensive. He was even accurate with his passing.
CB: Marc Cucurella – 7/10
The Spaniard gave a good account of himself on the defensive end of the field.
RM: Christian Pulisic – 7/10
He had a few lively moments in the final third and has got an assist to show for his efforts.
CM: Jorginho – 7/10
Jorginho earned the ball back twice and didn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when required.
CM: Mateo Kovacic – 7.5/10
The Croat midfield ace scored a memorable goal to give Chelsea the lead. He also caused a few other problems for the Salzburg defenders.
LM: Raheem Sterling – 6.5/10
He created a few decent chances for others around him but never looked like he would score.
CAM: Conor Gallagher – 7.5/10
Gallagher created a few inviting opportunities for his teammates in the final third but failed to register a goal.
ST: Kai Havertz – 8/10
The German international completed a couple of dangerous dribbles in the Salzburg half and scored the all-important second goal for Chelsea which was enough for them to snatch the win.
ST: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 7/10
Aubameyang was not shy of having a strike at goal but struggled to finish off his chances.
Substitutes:
CM: Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 6/10
He offered very little after coming off the bench.
RM: Cesar Azpilicueta – 6/10
The Spanish talent kept things solid at the back.
ST: Armando Broja – 5.5/10
He struggled to get a foothold in the game.
RAM: Hakim Ziyech – N/A
Ziyech hardly had any time to influence the game.
CAM: Mason Mount – N/A
He came on for the final few minutes of the contest.
