Chelsea v West Brom player ratings

Embed from Getty Images

Chelsea got back to winning ways in the Premier League with a routine victory over West Brom. Here’s how we rated each Blues player in the 3-0 success at Stamford Bridge.

Thibaut Courtois: 6

Courtois was barely called into action, although his save from Salomon Rondon for West Brom’s only effort on target was excellent. His positioning and distribution was faultless.

Cesar Azpilicueta: 8

Embed from Getty Images
As dependable as ever, Azpilicueta made two brilliant goal-saving interventions and also got forward in support time and time again.

Andreas Christensen: 8

Christensen, one nervy moment aside when he was outmuscled by Rondon and the striker should have scored, excelled on his return to the side. The Dane was defensively sound and composed in possession, even when under pressure.

Antonio Rudiger: 7

Rudiger’s performance was exactly what was required – no nonsense defending in the air and on the deck, coupled with sensible use of the ball.

Victor Moses: 8

Embed from Getty Images
His finish for the crucial second goal was wonderfully composed and he so nearly made it 3-0 with another considered low strike after cutting in from the right. Moses provided a regular outlet and invariably an end product.

Cesc Fabregas: 7

The Spaniard’s poise and calmness was as predictable as it was welcome. After a tricky start by the team, Fabregas’s presence became increasingly vital, retaining possession and refusing to be flustered by West Brom’s pressing game.

N’Golo Kante: 7

Kante was relentless in his running and impressive with ball at feet, playing a big part in setting the platform for victory.

Davide Zappacosta: 8

Embed from Getty Images
Energetic and threatening in forward areas and dependable at the back, Zappacosta impressed throughout while deputising as a right-footed left wing-back for Marcos Alonso.

Pedro: 7

He was typically busy and constantly looking to be involved. Pedro did not manage to find a telling pass but his effort and workrate was as good as anyone on the pitch.

Eden Hazard: 9

Hazard took 20 minutes to get into the match following a bright Baggies start which meant Chelsea struggled to work the ball to him. But bossed it after that. His first goal was a fine finish and the rasping second – after a glorious team move – was even better.

Olivier Giroud: 7

Embed from Getty Images
Brought the much-talked about and much-needed focal point, notably when his sumptuous touch teed up Hazard’s first-half goal. But the big French striker missed an absolute sitter before that and was also off target with an overhead kick, while his passing radar deserted him in the second half before he was replaced by Morata.

Alvaro Morata: 7

Looked sharp on his return, bringing a a different threat to Giroud with his pace and willingness to run in behind.

Gary Cahill: 6

Had very little to do but had a solid cameo nonetheless.

Willian: 6

Saw plenty of the ball after coming in the closing stages but was unable to create much.