Newcastle v Chelsea player ratings
Chelsea’s patchy form under Rafael Benitez continued as they lost at St James’ Park. Here’s how we rated the players in their 3-2 defeat against Newcastle.
Petr Cech: 7
May feel he could have done better for Newcastle’s third goal, but overall he had a solid game. Produced a couple of good saves and commanded his area well.
Branislav Ivanovic: 5
Played a part in Chelsea’s second goal but did not venture forward much – mainly because he had his hands full dealing with Johan Gouffran, who got the better of him.
John Terry: 7
Did well on his first league start since November. Produced several vital interceptions and reads the game so well.
Gary Cahill: 5
Didn’t fare so well at the back. Well blow his best; hesitant, sloppy with the ball and given problems by the pace of Newcastle’s attack.
Ashley Cole: 7
Used his pace and defensive ability to good effect. Solid as Chelsea were forced to soak up pressure.
Ramires: 5
Fortunate not to be sent off following a reckless challenge on Jonas Gutierrez and was outshone by Moussa Sissoko in midfield. Definitely not one of the Brazilian’s better displays.
Frank Lampard: 7
Another who struggled against Newcastle’s excellent midfield, but he did cause problems for the Magpies and took his goal really well.
Oscar: 6
Had a couple of decent efforts on goal but was quiet overall. Well contained by the home defence.
Juan Mata: 8
As well as his goal he was classy throughout. At the centre of much of Chelsea’s best work and rarely gave the ball away.
Ryan Bertrand: 5
Not for the first time recently he looked completely lost in his more advanced position, offering nothing in attack and not much defensive cover either.
Demba Ba: 6
An unhappy return to St James’ Park for the former Newcastle striker, who was forced off before half-time after taking a boot in the face. Looked dangerous early on and his injury was suffered as he almost put Chelsea ahead.
Fernando Torres: 6
Struggled to get into the game after coming on but he did well in the build-up to Mata’s goal.
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04/02/2013 @ 2:23 am
dont mata where the come from steve u got beat 3 points what matas n u didnt get them next season we be rite up there watch this space
03/02/2013 @ 11:53 pm
Terry a 7? what game where you watching? his embarrassing slide tackle that totally missed the ball and man allowing Newcastle to score?. Nowhere to be seen during the other two. I said it before and I’ll repeat it .Cahill was responsible for relegating Bolton, and some twit run and splashes money to get him …to do the same thing here! Ivanovitch is a mediocre defenseman at best, the real deal from his back home team preferred MU over Chelsea. Bertrand is not material for the EPL and yet ,gets to play the full 90 minutes! too many bureaucrats drawing salaries for a job they are not qualified for in this team. I feel sorry for Mr.RA .can’t he see that most of the big stars coming in turn lousy overnight and all the one leaving become stars elsewhere?
03/02/2013 @ 8:27 pm
France 3 Chelski 2