Chelsea were pushed hard by Bristol Rovers before securing a place in the third round of the EFL Cup. Here’s how we rated the Blues players in their 3-2 win.
Had no chance with the header or penalty that beat him, but Thibaut Courtois’ understudy made a crucial save to keep out a 25-yard effort from Jermaine Easter that would have made it 3-3.
Not as quiet a night as the Serbian might have anticipated after a first half spent mostly watching the action at the other end. Almost scored with a late header. Wasn’t at his best.
Will take it as a personal affront that he was beaten by a header in the box at a free-kick, and he could be seen getting irate with fellow defenders as Chelsea came under unexpected pressure.
Outjumped by striker Ellis Harrison during one dodgy defensive moment, but he spent most of the game in attack mode. Set up Victor Moses for goal number two.
The youngster had a decent enough outing on his debut and will look back fondly on a composed display, for the most part. Made way for John Terry for the final quarter of an hour.
His deft touches were a feature of a dominant first half for the Blues. But in common with his team-mates, he faded in the second half and was perhaps lucky to play the full 90 minutes.
Very busy and one of the prime instigators of Chelsea’s most dangerous attacks. Was involved in the first goal, setting up Michy Batshuayi’s volley, and almost netted himself.
Scored with an easy tap-in to double the Chelsea lead. Enjoyed coming in off the flanks and had an industrious, if unexceptional evening. Some wayward shooting spoiled his night.
Blotted his copybook by conceding the penalty for Rovers’ second goal by clattering into Stuart Sinclair. But his trickery on the left flank in attack played a part in Chelsea’s second goal and fine early tempo.
Laid a goal on a plate for Batshuayi before the break and showed plenty of strength and presence in an advanced role just off the front.
An early lob almost beat keeper Steve Mildenhall, but he was not to be denied and was twice in the right place to take advantage of pull-backs to find the net. Denied a hat-trick by a linesman’s flag. Overall it was fine display.