Chelsea made light work of beating Maccabi Tel Aviv in their Champions League opener. Here’s how we rated the players in the 4-0 win at Stamford Bridge.
Asmir Begovic: 6
A virtual spectator in a one-sided game. He made one simple save in the second half and was alert coming off his line on a couple of occasions.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 7
Rarely troubled defensively and able to support in attack too. He showed his versatility and reliability with an effective display playing at right-back.
Kurt Zouma: 6
Made a couple of fine interceptions, but was caught out positionally at times – notably when Maccabi should have scored when he played everyone onside from a first-half free-kick.
Gary Cahill: 7
The captain for the night was dependable and solid throughout. Gave the ball quickly, showed good organisational skills in John Terry’s absence and – along with some wayward finishing – was the main reason for the clean sheet with two vital clearances.
Baba Rahman: 7
Looked sharp and sure-footed in attack with a couple of breathtaking runs but was also slightly casual at the other end. Encouraging debut but will need to improve defensively.
Cesc Fabregas: 7
Played a glorious pass for Diego Costa’s goal and showed great desire to get on the scoresheet with lung-busting break that saw him tap in the fourth goal. But his set-piece delivery was inconsistent and the second half was much more assured than the opening 45 minutes.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek: 9
A hugely impressive display from the Chelsea academy graduate, providing some desperately needed mobility and energy in the centre of the park. But the quality was also there with some surging runs. A mature performance full of running, smart attacking play and combative midfield work, especially considering a harsh first-minute booking.
Willian: 7
The Brazilian was Chelsea’s main threat in a lively opening 20 minutes before injury ended his evening. His goal was fortunate but he earned the luck with a well-struck free-kick in to the perfect area.
Oscar: 8
Brings much-needed composure, balance and calmness to the number 10 role. Took his penalty nicely, and one of his many intelligent runs helped create Diego Costa’s goal. Looked sharp considering his recent injury.
Eden Hazard: 6
The penalty miss epitomised a first half where he could hardly do anything right. Tried to fool the keeper by blasting his spot-kick in after his normal one-step approach, but recovered in the second period with some typically dangerous dribbling – albeit without the end product.
Loic Remy: 7
Enjoyed a fine opening 20 minutes in the central attacking role and continued to look lively despite the Willian injury forcing the Frenchman to play out wide. Provided pace and a goal threat from the right and his shot led to the fourth goal.
Diego Costa: 6
Scored a wonderful goal and won the second penalty, but his touch deserted him too often and he should have had at least two more goals, dallying when well placed and opting to take a second touch with a simple chance after the break.
Ramires: 6
As busy as ever but the game was already won when he came on and he was unable to really make his mark.
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