Chelsea v Aston Villa player ratings

Chelsea won on penalties to reach the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. Here’s how we rated each Blues player against Aston Villa.

Kepa Arrizabalaga: 7

On regular alert as Villa pressed positively in the first half. A good save from a tricky Bertrand Traore shot a minute before the interval and another smart stop from Anwar El Ghazi as the visitors grew in confidence after equalising. Then produced a vital save in the shoot-out.

Malang Sarr: 7

Made his Blues debut at the heart of the defence and was largely confident in possession. Booked for a clumsy challenge on Traore on the half hour, but otherwise a fairly assured display against Villa danger man Emiliano Buendia.

Trevoh Chalobah: 6

Part of an alternative Blues’ central defensive partnership with Sarr, in his fifth appearance of the season. Was fortunate to escape when Villa forward Cameron Archer gave him the slip only to fire over early on. Positioning suspect when Jordan Archer levelled with a superb header in the 64th minute.

Reece James: 8

Was very alert to the Villa threat going forward in the early stages, making good interceptions, especially when clearing off the line from El Ghazi with Dean Smith’s outfit dangerous on the break. His inviting cross was a gift for Timo Werner for the Blues to take the lead. The hero when he tucked away the winning penalty.

Saul Niguez: 5

A first start and an opportunity to impress for the Spanish midfielder. Worked hard against Villa’s pressing, but didn’t take enough responsibility going forward and it was no surprise when he was substituted in the latter stages.

N’Golo Kante: 6

Fresh from his scoring appearance in Chelsea’s win at Tottenham at the weekend. Drove the Blues on with a energising performance but was taken off at half-time for Mason Mount.

Ben Chilwell: 6

Finally given his first start of the season. Robust on the left side against the busy Traore, and regularly available as an extra outlet going forward. Worked hard to thwart Villa raids. Only Chelsea player to miss in the penalty shoot-out, although the Blues eventually won through.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek: 6

A rare start for the a player who has lost his way of late at Stamford Bridge. Deployed in central midfield by boss Thomas Tuchel. Some good runs and distribution at times but not quite enough across the game overall.

Hakim Ziyech: 6

Quiet evening for the Moroccan until he fired a 36th-minute shot from the edge of the penalty area which was well saved by Villa keeper Jed Steer. More confident and willing in the final third as the game progressed before being sacrificed by Tuchel for Ross Barkley. The highlight of his display was a clever pass through to Werner, who should have scored.

Timo Werner: 7

Largely anonymous in the first half, but his 54th-minute header broke the deadlock as Chelsea started the second half in more aggressive fashion. He then missed a great chance to make it two.

Callum Hudson-Odoi: 6

Tried to get the Blues going on the right-hand side but too often his final ball was lackadaisical. Had a good spell in the second half though and was involved in the build-up to Werner’s goal.

Mason Mount: 7

Came on at the interval for Kante. Missed a great chance to put Chelsea ahead on 68 minutes, sliding the ball past the post from close range. Injected real zip in the closing period.

Ross Barkley: 6

Replaced Ziyech on 75 minutes to add extra drive as Chelsea chased a winner. Tigerish, alongside Mount.

Romelu Lukaku: 6

The Chelsea talisman came on for Saul in the 75th minute to try and make the difference. A lively cameo.