Chelsea players have been heavily criticised for poor performances from all quarters after suffering a heavy defeat at the hands off Manchester City and a less than convincing performance in their opening match that ended in a draw. This performance was much better and at some moments we could see the glimpses of side that won the league with ease last season.
Courtois – A key performance with a penalty save and a couple of heroic blocks in the second half. It’s good to have him back he deserves to be our number 1. 8
Ivanovic – Another bad day in the office we were so weak on the right side off defence West Brom concentrated most of their efforts on the right. McManaman could off destroyed Chelsea with better finishing. 3
Zouma – A few poorly mistimed challenges and losing his footing once in a very dangerous situation, things could off turned out very badly and I was not 100% convinced with his handling of Rondon. I have noticed that after winning possession he tends to clear the ball i.e. play for safety, unfortunately this means that from Zouma the trouble or immediate danger is cleared but the opposition is winning a throw in. If Chelsea is to compete with Real Madrid or Barcelona we need to get Stones. Stones wins possession and finds the perfect pass if Zouma can work with such a player and learn this he could easily become the greatest centre back of this generation. I am now convinced that a Zouma Stones centre back paring is the future Chelsea need to rule Europe. I believe Zouma should start every game. 6
Terry – The captain is having a very hard time and should lead the team and organise the back 4. His sending off could of cost us the game I am baffled why he was left with Rondon in the first place. Our quickest centre back should off stuck with Rondon. 3
Azpilicueta – Dave got hi first game in the league and was solid on the left but was not as busy because the opposition tried to concentrate their efforts on our weaker right flank. 7
Matic – Too many reckless challenges, one resulting in a penalty and the other a free kick in a dangerous position – it could be the pressure to get back to his usual performance affecting him as he set the bar very high for himself and I hope he can get back to what he does best soon. 5
Fabregas – Seemed to improve in the second half as soon as Willian came off, he is capable off creating attacking opportunities from nothing. I can see why he stayed on the pitch as he is a very important player to have if you are a man down and you need to retain possession of the ball. 6
Pedro – This was the perfect debut a goal, an assist and lots of chances created he was a constant threat – I am tempted to say he deserves a 10 out of 10. 9
Willian – Failed to convert a very clear opportunity, Willian is an intelligent hard working player but he needs to start scoring. 5
Hazard – Came to life in the last 10 minutes and helped Chelsea retain possession with some clever play this is very important when you want to defend a lead. Missed a great opportunity and is a shadow off the player the lit up the EPL last season and went on to win every individual award available. He really needs to rediscover his form if Chelsea is to get out of this slump. 6
Costa – Great goal, ran his socks off and never gave anyone any rest. Chelsea are lucky to have a lead striker with such goal scoring instincts and hopefully this goal should get him going. 7
Subs
Cahill – Came on when JT got sent off and had a good performance considering the news he did not train well due to the discomfort of the mask and a broken nose. We appeared to be solid in the second half with a man down the only slip up was the second goal we conceded. 6
Mikel – Did his job as soon as he came on it was as good as over West Brom ran out of ideas. 5
Falcao – It’s difficult to judge a striker when he comes one on with less than 20 minutes left on the clock and you are playing away from home a man down and then Mikel comes on. 5
Pedro has added a new dimension to our attack its very clear now we need to sign a defender to plug the big gap in defence as soon as Oscar comes back and Hazard rediscovers his form we should become the most exciting team to watch in the EPL.
