Chelsea, the reigning Premier League champions, are currently having a rusty run in all competitions. They were knocked out by Arsenal from the semis of League Cup whereas chances are slim to progress beyond the Round of 16 of UEFA Champions League as in-form Barcelona are waiting to hunt them down. The Blues have given up the Premier League battle and concentrating on a ‘Top Four’ finish to earn a Champions League berth the next season. FA Cup, thus remains the only probabilistic option to chase for and despite a scrappy win over Norwich City last round, Antonio Conte was desperate to beat past Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.
The game, however, proved to be a stroll in the park for the hosts who registered a routine 3-0 win and progressed through to the next round.
Below are the Chelsea players rated from their comfortable win against Newcastle United.
Willy Caballero: 8
Was called into action on many occasions and kept on denying Newcastle’s efforts one after another. A well-deserved clean-sheet for the veteran Argentine.
Antonio Rudiger: 7.5
Rudiger struggled at times against Dwight Gayle but maintained composure and almost scored one with a 25-yard curler which went just wide.
Andreas Christensen: 7
Keeps on impressing as he once again dominated in the heart of Chelsea’s three-man backline. Maintained discipline and didn’t allow the visitors to be a constant threat around the box.
Gary Cahill: 7.5
The veteran Englishman was solid defensively despite being dispossessed once. Helped the Blues to build attacking threats from the deep banking on his strong passing traits and his no-nonsense defending with proper interceptions, aerial supremacy and clearances allowed the Blues to retain a clean-sheet.
Davide Zappacosta: 7
The Italian once gave away the possession dangerously but was a constant threat down the right-hand flank with his crosses and link-up play alongside Pedro.
N’Golo Kante: 7.5
Controlled the game from the middle of the park and distributed some through balls for the attackers that caused enough menace in Newcastle defence. Was replaced by teenager Ethan Ampadu late in the game.
Danny Drinkwater: 7
Complemented his former Leicester City mate Kante in the middle of the park and impressed with his passing traits.
Marcos Alonso: 8.5
The Spaniard was a constant threat in attack and poked the ball for Batshuayi to score his first of the afternoon. Was denied by Karl Darlow once but left the Newcastle custodian with no chance when he scored spectacularly from a free-kick.
Eden Hazard: 8.5
The Belgian wizard kept the Magpies defence on toes and his trademark runs caused enough trouble in the opponent backline. Assisted Batshuayi for his second of the afternoon. Was replaced by Ross Barkley amid standing ovation from the fans.
Pedro: 8
Played his part in both the first-half goals as he linked up beautifully with Hazard and Batshuayi on many occasions. Was taken off late in the game and was replaced by 17-year old Callum Hodson-Odoi.
Michy Batshuayi: 9
Scored a first-half brace and relieved Conte by handing him a solution in front of goal. His recent form might earn him more first-team minutes for the rest of the campaign. Did well to beat past Mbemba but was denied a hat-trick twice by Darlow in closing minutes.
Substitutes
Ross Barkley: 6
Made his home debut midway in the second half and made some sparkling runs to impress the gaffer.
Ethan Ampadu: 6.5
Picked out Pedro brilliantly minutes after entering the pitch, but the Spaniard failed to covert before being replaced by teenager Hodson-Odoi.
Callum Hudson-Odoi: 6
England’s U-17 World Cup hero made his senior debut for the club and impressed with his passes and runs in last 10 minutes of the game.
