Chelsea welcomed Red Bull Salzburg at Stamford Bridge earlier tonight as they focused on collecting maximum points at home in the UEFA Champions League. The Blues controlled the game well in the first half but were held to a 0-0 draw at half-time.
The home team made a dream start to the second half as they got their noses ahead in the 48th minute when Raheem Sterling scored with a good finish. However, Salzburg struck back in the 75th minute when Noah Okafor found the back of the net. The contest ended with the West London club being held to a 1-1 draw in front of their home supporters.
Let’s take a look at how each Chelsea player performed during the match against Red Bull Salzburg.
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6.5/10
The Spanish keeper made a couple of decent saves at the back but will be disappointed after conceding a goal in the 75th minute.
RB: Reece James – 7/10
He did his fair share of defending and made some decent runs with the ball down the right flank.
CB: Cesar Azpilicueta – 7/10
The Spaniard didn’t take too many chances when clearing his lines at the back and made one good chance in the Salzburg half.
CB: Thiago Silva – 7.5/10
Silva earned the ball back a few times and made a lot of important clearances inside his half.
LB: Marc Cucurella – 7.5/10
The Spaniard got stuck in with some solid tackles and made two key chances in the final third.
CM: Mateo Kovacic – 6.5/10
Kovacic was solid with his tackles but offered very little in the final third.
CM: Jorginho – 7/10
The Italian talent anchored the midfield with conviction and made two inviting chances in the opponent’s half.
RW: Mason Mount – 7.5/10
Mount came back to defend when required and had a few lively moments on the attacking end of the field.
CAM: Kai Havertz – 6/10
He had a few strikes at goal but never looked like he would score tonight.
LW: Raheem Sterling – 7/10
Sterling opened the goal-scoring in the 48th minute but was quiet for most of the game.
ST: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 6.5/10
Aubameyang picked up an assist for Sterling’s goal but produced a toothless display in the final third.
Substitutes:
ST: Armando Broja – 6/10
He made one good chance after coming off the bench.
CM: Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 6/10
Loftus-Cheek added some energy to Graham Potter’s midfield.
CM: Conor Gallagher – N/A
He didn’t get enough minutes to make an impact.
RW: Hakim Ziyech – N/A
Ziyech was a real menace in the Salzburg half.
ST: Christian Pulisic – N/A
He was Potter’s last throw of the dice.
