A horrid loss against Roma midweek in Europe was devastating for Conte’s men but they had very little time on their hands as the game against Manchester United beckoned. Chelsea had to react, stronger than ever and they certainly did. A superbly placed header from Alvaro Morata from Azpilicueta’s cross was enough to get past Jose Mourinho’s reds. Here’s how the Blues have been rated after their massive victory:-
Chelsea Players Rated And Slated
GK: Thibaut Courtois – 7.5/10
Had to make a smart save quickly in the first half to deny Lukaku but the highlight for him was a massive save in the closing minutes of the game to prevent Fellaini from scoring. A clean-sheet is a huge relief for the Belgian.
RWB: Davide Zappocosta – 6/10
Had a good competitive game against Young and he fared well. He was substituted later on to make way for Rudiger.
CB: Caesar Azpilicueta – 8/10
Stood firm against the attacking duo of Lukaku and Rashford and provided a jaw-dropping assist for Morata. The big players always step up during crucial games and Azpilicueta is an example of it.
CB: Andreas Christensen – 8.5/10
It was a great challenge for the young man against an in-form United side and he stepped up brilliantly. Composed, alert and just way too mature on the pitch. Solid.
CB: Gary Cahill – 7/10
Tidy and effective whenever Chelsea needed him.
LWB: Marcos Alonso – 5.5/10
It was an average game for him and he should really reduce some of the silly mistakes he makes.
CM: N’golo Kante – 7/10
Kante returned after some time and he immediately made his presence felt. It was just a typical performance of his where he popped up wherever he could to sway the wind in Chelsea’s favour. His return is a big boost.
CM: Cesc Fabregas – 7/10
Played some very intriguing passes and he stretched United with his vision. A sweet performance from the Spaniard.
CM: Tiemoue Bakayoko – 4.5/10
He had a free role today and he wasted a nice chance early on to give Chelsea the lead. He was lucky to have been on the pitch after he committed fouls after fouls after fouls.
FW: Eden Hazard – 7/10
Sizzled on few occasions but United had a tight grip on him as it was expected. De Gea kept out his wonderful effort and Chelsea’s couldn’t convert some of the chances he gave them.
ST: Alvaro Morata – 9/10
Used his feet impeccably well against a rigid United defence and lured them well throughout the game. He placed his header magnificently to give Chelsea the advantage and the opener. Overall, he was terrific.
Substitutions:-
CB: Antonio Rudiger – 7/10
Held his own against the waves of United attack and the substitution paid off.
CM: Danny Drinkwater – N/A
Came on very late and cannot be rated.
FW: Willian – N/A
Came on very late.
