Chelsea v Burnley player ratings
Chelsea cruised to a 3-0 victory over Burnley on Saturday in one of their best performances since they won the Premier League title in 2015. Here’s how we rated the Blues players at Stamford Bridge.
Thibaut Courtois: 7
Barely troubled as Burnley had only six shots, none of which were on target. Did all he had to when the visitors slung crosses and set-pieces into the box.
Branislav Ivanovic: 7
His 200th Premier League appearance and he could barely have asked for an easier afternoon, although he did have to work harder defensively late in the game. Supported the attack well and even had a shot, of sorts, in the first half, which he ended with a silly booking.
Gary Cahill: 8
Looked fairly comfortable throughout but was a strong, reliable presence at the back and also had a shot deflected wide in the first half.
John Terry: 8
Excellent at the back as his side kept their first clean sheet at home in 13 matches. But he also missed the easiest chance he’ll have to score this season, somehow spooning the ball over the bar after Tom Heaton had saved Eden Hazard’s volley.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 8
Used the ball superbly and rarely appeared in any danger at the back, snuffing out what little Burnley offered on his flank. Could have scored near the end of the game too.
N’Golo Kante: 9
Hazard may have caught the eye with his flamboyance, but the Frenchman was not far behind him with an outstanding, energetic display, which allowed the front five to run riot. He replicated the form of last season, when he was a key cog in Leicester’s title-winning team.
Willian: 9
The third of Chelsea’s supreme performers, with a well-taken goal on his return after a calf injury. He’s clearly fully fit – the familiar Willian engine was evident – and stats showed he completed 98% of his passes, one of which was a glorious ball into Hazard in the second half. Replaced by Victor Moses after 76 minutes.
Nemanja Matic: 8
A much better performance from the Serbian, who – despite a dreadful pass straight out of play in the first half – seems to have settled into the more advanced role in Antonio Conte’s new shape. Even so, his best work was done in the middle of the park, most notably when he played Hazard in for Chelsea’s opener.
Oscar: 8
Very bright around the edge of the box, creating chances for Diego Costa, and started the move which led to Chelsea’s third goal. Showed why he is keeping Cesc Fabregas out of the side, but also found himself in the referee’s notebook after a none-too-clever challenge on Sam Vokes.
Eden Hazard: 9
A mesmerising performance, one of his best in the last 12 months; full of skill, verve and intent. It was capped by a wonderful run and finish for the opening goal, though he was given the sort of space better teams won’t allow him, and he could have had at least one or two more, but found Heaton in good form. Replaced by Pedro on 80 minutes.
Diego Costa: 7
When Chelsea are so dominant going forward, Costa usually gets on the scoresheet. Not on this occasion though as he twice shot too close to the goalkeeper, and lacked his usual composure – but he did keep himself out of trouble this time, and set up Willian’s goal. Replaced by Michy Batshuayi with 10 minutes to go.
Victor Moses: 7
The pick of the substitutes, coming on with 15 minutes to play, and he grabbed his first Chelsea league goal in almost four years after being set up by another sub, Pedro.
