Chelsea entertained Plymouth Argyle at Stamford Bridge earlier today as they looked to secure a win and progress into the next round of the FA Cup. The Blues made a sloppy start to the game as they conceded the opening goal in the eight-minute when Macaulay Gillesphey scored with a header from close range. However, Cesar Azpilicueta equalised for the Premier League giants in the 41st minute with a great finish. Both sides went into the half-time break with a goalless scoreline.
Thomas Tuchel’s men pushed on in search of the winning goal in the second half but failed to find it as they were held 1-1 after 90 minutes. Marcos Alonso finally broke the deadlock in the first half injury-time of extra-time when he found the back of the net. The contest ended with the West London outfit securing a narrow 2-1 win after extra time.
Let’s take a look at how each Chelsea player performed during the match against Plymouth.
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga – 8.5/10
The Spaniard made a few solid stops in the game and did well to limit the opposition to just one goal after 120 minutes. He deserves a lot of credit for saving a late penalty which gave Chelsea the win.
RB: Cesar Azpilicueta – 8/10
He performed his defensive duties well and was quite adventurous going forward. He had several shot attempts after scoring the opener with a great finish.
CB: Andreas Christensen – 6/10
Christensen made a couple of important interceptions but will be disappointed after failing to keep a clean sheet. He got replaced at half-time.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – 6.5/10
The German centre-back cleared the danger when needed and was tidy with his passing. He even won his fair share of aerial duels.
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LB: Malang Sarr – 7.5/10
Sarr won a lot of aerial duels and made multiple interceptions during the game. However, he gave away a penalty in the dying embers of the game but got bailed out by his keeper.
CM: Mason Mount – 8/10
The English sensation picked up an assist for setting up Azpilicueta’s opener and engineered several meaningful openings for his teammates in the final third.
CM: Jorginho – 7/10
The Italian talent anchored the midfield well and was lively in the opponent’s half.
CM: Mateo Kovacic – 7/10
He made two good runs with the ball and hit the post twice during his time on the field.
RW: Hakim Ziyech – 9/10
Ziyech was unstoppable today. He made plenty of promising runs with the ball and created all sorts of problems for the Plymouth defenders with his creativity and flair.
ST: Romelu Lukaku – 7/10
The Belgian striker linked up play well with others around him but failed to register a goal.
LW: Callum Hudson-Odoi – 7/10
He caused a few headaches for the opposition but will be disappointed for not getting his name on the scoresheet.
Substitutes:
LB: Marcos Alonso – 7/10
The Spaniard was a constant threat and made the difference in the end by scoring the only goal in extra time.
CAM: Kai Havertz – 7/10
Havertz set up Alonso’s goal in extra time.
ST: Timo Werner – 6/10
He hardly got a sniff at goal.
CM: Saul Niguez – 6.5/10
Saul added some steel to Chelsea’s midfield.
CB: Trevoh Chalobah – N/A
He hardly had any time to make an impact.
