Chelsea kept a second successive clean sheet as they earned a point with an impressive display in the draw against Dynamo Kiev. Here’s how we rated the players in their third Champions League match of the season.
Asmir Begovic: 6
Made a fine near-post block after the interval and did what little that was asked of him calmly and competently. Caught well and commanded his area solidly.
Kurt Zouma: 5
Committed and forceful and played his part with a selfless performance. However, he was often caught out positionally playing in an unfamiliar role at right-back. Made some important interceptions and provided the aerial presence that was demanded but did not look comfortable.
John Terry: 8
Closed down quickly, forcing Dynamo’s forwards into a series of rushed decisions and used the ball quickly to keep the tempo high. Was dominant in the air and led by example, but could have cost his team a goal with a sloppy late pass when trying to play the ball out of defence when Chelsea were under pressure.
Gary Cahill: 7
A tenacious performance that saw the England man start with a shaky early touch but grow in confidence. Followed Terry’s lead and dominated the backline, never allowing Dynamo’s forwards to settle and getting his decision-making spot on.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 8
Chelsea’s most consistent and reliable performer so far this season was impressive once again, switching back to left-back and giving a typically assured display. Excellent in defence when confronted with the superb Andriy Yarmolenko and provided decent support in attack too.
Nemanja Matic: 9
Rightly picked out by boss Jose Mourinho for an exceptional display that reminded everyone how dominant he can be when on top of his game. Showed a determination and desire lacking so far this season, flying in to challenges, bursting forward and laying the platform for a fine team display. Very unlucky not to score after a brilliant surging run in the first half.
Ramires: 8
Carried on where he left off against Aston Villa, bringing hustle and bustle to the midfield. Played a big part in setting the tone for the high-tempo approach, racing in to challenges and winning possession high up the pitch. But the Brazilian also showed more maturity than he sometimes does, cleverly recognising the need when to sit deep and allow Matic to bomb on.
Willian: 9
Just about pipped to the man-of-the-match award by Matic, but this was as good as the Brazilian has been in a Blues shirt. Barely gave the ball away, ran relentlessly in a Ramires style and was lively and creative in attack as well as busy and effective going back towards his own goal. So unlucky not to score with a delightful free-kick that hit the bar and another set-piece almost led to a goal for a stretching Diego Costa.
Cesc Fabregas: 7
Ran himself in to the ground and showed several moments of quality in the number 10 role, before tiring at about the hour mark. Was replaced for the final 15 minutes but contributed to one of Chelsea’s best performances of the season.
Eden Hazard: 7
Fully justified his recall, making clear his desire by doing his defensive duties and making numerous runs in behind. Continued to offer a goal threat as well and was so close to opening the scoring with a first-half curler that was tipped on to the post.
Diego Costa: 7
Looked as sharp as he has done all season, leading the line, making clever runs behind the home defence and using the ball intelligently
Oscar: 6
Looked bright when he came on in the final 15 minutes and provided valuable energy, but with Chelsea on the back foot for the first time in the game he lacked support, so much of his work was without the ball.