Antonio Conte had said before the match that the important thing was to qualify for knockout stages of the Champions League tournament. Having already done that after game week five, many expected Conte to not field a full side. Neither would have people expected Chelsea to put in the energetic performance they did, having already played four times in the last 14 days.
As the night ended all square on Stamford Bridge, it will be Italian giants AS Roma who will be the happiest of the lot in the group. Their 1-0 win over Qarabag would mean that they will top the group with Chelsea in second place and Atletico Madrid, unfortunately, crashing out of the tournament.
Here is a look at the player ratings for Chelsea on a night the Blues were left disappointed after having failed to top the group.
Thibaut Courtois: 7.5
A good performance against his former side, the Belgian was visibly disappointed at having conceded a helpless goal after keeping everything else out.
Victor Moses: 6.5
An energetic performance, Chelsea’s full-back performed for the full ninety minutes without showing any signs of fatigue despite returning from his injury last week. However, his on the ball work still needs plenty of improvement.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 7.5
A good performance yet again from the Spaniard. He was on hand every time Griezmann threatened to run away with the ball and kept the ball rolling in defence.
Andreas Christensen: 7.5
A good night for the young Dan, he continues to grow and impress everyone at SW6.
Gary Cahill: 7.5
A brilliant tackle near the end to deny Atletico all three points, he had a good match tonight.
Davide Zappacosta: 8
Caused all sorts of problem down the left channel despite playing out of position.
N’Golo Kante: 8
Another energetic performance full of running and tackling, he kept Atletico from building any momentum.
Cesc Fabregas: 8
Another good night from the Spaniard and he would have had an assist tonight, had Morata converted his sublime minus.
Tiemoue Bakayoko: 4.5
An average first half, he undid his work by showing his clumsiness in the second. At fault for the goal after leaving Saul unmarked to score a free header and was lacking a game brain even otherwise.
Eden Hazard: 8.5
The Belgian is taking on the Champions League and looks ready to deliver this season for the Blues. He was once again, Chelsea’s best player on the night.
Alvaro Morata: 7
Good movement, good link-up, good hold up but missed a sitter at the end when he got the keeper one on one.
Substitutes
Pedro: 7
Came on as a sub and made an instant impact on Chelsea’s attack.
Willian: 5
Had a chance to put Chelsea in the lead but missed from inside the box.
