Matchday five of this season’s UEFA Champions League saw a Group H fixture between Valencia and Chelsea at the Mestalla stadium. Although the game finished 2-2 on the night, either team could’ve won it, considering all the chances that they had. The match had everything from a disallowed goal being clarified as a legal one by VAR, to Chelsea’s Kepa Arizzabalaga saving a Dani Parejo penalty. With the group now deliciously poised, the next set of fixtures will provide us with all the answers.
Here Are The Chelsea Player Ratings:
Kepa Arizzabalaga – 5.5
The Spaniard had multiple questionable moments in between the sticks for Chelsea, and arguably should’ve kept both the Valencia goals out. Excellent work keeping out the penalty though.
Reece James – 5.5
Although the youngster started the tie very well, the pace of the game seemed to drain him of energy in the second half. He was given a proper run-around by Jose Gaya as well
Andreas Christensen – 6
Came back into the side and did well in the first half by making multiple key interceptions and blocks. Once the Blues switched to a back five, he maintained the line effectively.
Kurt Zouma – 7
If it wasn’t for the Frenchman’s presence at the heart of defence, Valencia might’ve run away with this fixture right from the opening half. A perpetual brick wall at the back.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 5
Showcased his versatility by playing at left-back and at centre-half as well. He pushed for the ball at the wrong moments at times and could’ve cost Chelsea terribly.
N’Golo Kante – 7.5
The French destroyer was a constant bundle of energy in midfield. Despite the referee losing the plot in the tie, the midfielder kept his cool and went about his business.
Jorginho – 5
The Italian wasn’t given any space or time on the ball as the Valencia players maintained their formation extremely well. He was taken off to be replaced by Emerson.
Mateo Kovacic – 6.5
The Croatian got his first ever Chelsea goal in his 71st appearance for the club, and controlled the ball well in the first half. He was simply overrun by the Valencia players in the latter stages.
Willian – 3
It was as if the Brazilian wasn’t in the mood on the night. Every pass or touch he tried seemed to be going wrong, and it’s a surprise Lampard kept him on for so long.
Tammy Abraham – 5
The Englishman didn’t have the most joyous outings because for the rough nature of the two Valencia centre-halves. He was taken to the hospital after a nasty fall just before half-time.
Christian Pulisic – 6.5
The American winger showed glimpses of his quality in the first half and even got his first Champions League goal for Chelsea. Wasn’t able to sustain the good work though.
Substitutes
Michy Batshuayi – 6
Tried to get into the game in the second half, but like the man he succeeded, wasn’t given a moment of respite by the Valencia centre-halves.
Mason Mount – 4.5
The youngster’s arrival had little to no impact on the tie, and he was simply an extra man in defence for the rest of the game.
Emerson – 6
Thrown on as the Blues began to try shutting up shop. Made a couple of decent forays forward, and did his defensive duties satisfactorily as well.
