Chelsea returned to Premier League action today after an emphatic 2-1 win over AFC Bournemouth in the League Cup quarter-finals last Wednesday.
However, the Blues weren’t victorious this time as Everton were able to hold onto a goalless draw against Chelsea, who failed to break down the hosts’ tight defence.
http://www.chelsea-news.co/reports/chelsea-fail-make-chances-pay-disappointing-0-0-draw/
Here are our Player Ratings from the clash…
Starting Eleven:
Thibaut Courtois – 6 – Didn’t need to stretch out to any sort of saving duty, as Everton were unable to take a single shot on target during the whole 90 minutes.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 8 – Great block to deny Gylfi Sigurdsson on the first half. Think he might’ve taken the strike to his crotch there, but the Spanish gladiator kept going and played a big part in the Blues’ defence today.
Andreas Christensen – 7 – May have struggled to mark Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin at times, but did well overall.
Antonio Rudiger – 7 – Did very well stepping in for captain Gary Cahill today. Took a good first-time shot on target from Hazard’s pass, but was unable to beat the keeper – just like the rest of the team.
Victor Moses – 7 – Played in a few spectacular crosses from the right, causing constant havoc to Everton’s full-back Cuco Martina. Was close to assist a Chelsea opener via Ashley Williams’ header, but the Everton’s defender’s clearence wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been as it got just off the bar for Evertonians’ relief. Subbed off for Zappacosta in the final stages of the game.
N’Golo Kante – 7 – Was a key figure in Chelsea’s defensive midfield again, but he doesn’t really seem to help the team out attacking-wise. The Frenchman did take a few long-shots here and there, but he failed to hit any of them on target.
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 7 – The Frenchman was also doing a great job launching Chelsea counter-attacks with smart interceptions and strong runs forward with the ball. Got denied from a goal-line on the first-half.
Marcos Alonso – 7 – Played in great crosses, but didn’t really have anyone to cross to with Willian, Pedro and Hazard still not the greatest of Chelsea’s heading players. Had also a few good strikes blocked by the hosts’ defence. Did also quite well defensively.
Willian – 6 – Just like Bakayoko, the Brazilian got denied from the goal-line in the Blues’ best goal-scoring opportunity of the first half. The Brazilian has been in terrific form lately, but his first half performance didn’t really match with that. Need to offer more in these type of games.
Eden Hazard – 7 – Along with Moses (and T-BO, duh), the Belgian forward was the only Chelsea player not to have taken a shot in the first half. He created some good opportunities but wasn’t just able to get into the good goal-scoring positions. Suffered a heavy tackle at the hour-mark, resulting in treatment from the physios, but was just and just able to resume. Might have been subbed off should Chelsea have been in the lead then, but Conte decided to risk him. On overall, Hazard was the most threatening of all Blues players, but couldn’t carry the West London side all on his own.
Pedro – 5 – Made some dangerous runs from behind the line, but was caught offside way too often. Had a great strike tipped over by Jordan Pickford, but didn’t really connect too well with Hazard and Willian in the Chelsea front-three. Replaced by Cesc Fabregas after an hour. Perhaps the former Barcelona man is already past his peak?
Substitutes:
Cesc Fabregas – 6 – Handed a big creative boost to the side when coming on for Pedro. Seemed very excited to get playing and will probably return to the starting line-up once Alvaro Morata returns.
Michy Batshuayi – 5 – Was brought on for Willian to hand more length and strenght to the Chelsea attack, but didn’t end up having a single attempt for goal. If Antonio Conte wants the Belgian to prove he’s better than Hazard and Morata, he needs to do a lot better.
Davide Zappacosta – 5 – Was brought on for Moses but failed to give anything more to the team than what the Nigerian already offered to the Blues side. Didn’t complete a single cross and should have possibly just stayed on the bench.
