Chelsea v Tottenham player ratings
Chelsea reached the FA Cup final with a 4-2 victory over London rivals Tottenham at Wembley. Here’s how we rated each Blues player in an absorbing semi-final.
Thibaut Courtois: 6
He had no chance with either Spurs goal and other than that was barely troubled. For all their possession, Tottenham only managed four efforts on target, one of which was a Harry Kane free-kick that almost beat Courtois late on when the ball squirmed from the keeper’s grasp before he grabbed it.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 7
The captain for the day was solid throughout, playing with intelligence and organising his colleagues in the absence of Gary Cahill.
David Luiz: 9
Never allowed Tottenham’s talented forwards to settle. Luiz was constantly trying to win possession and deprive Kane and company time and space and was also excellent in the air.
Nathan Ake: 8
An immense display, given the size of the game, his lack of match time and his tender years. Ake brought much-needed pace as expected, but delivered so much more. He used the ball effectively, refused to be rushed and his fine tackle instigated the break which led to Willian’s opening goal. He defended with maturity and confidence throughout. Looks an ideal centre-half in a three-man defence.
Victor Moses: 8
He was dangerous going forward from the off and secure with his defensive work. His ever-growing ability to read the game also shone through and his surge into the box earned the penalty late in the first half.
N’Golo Kante: 8
He was back to his all-action best after a couple of quieter performances, ensuring Chelsea kept their shape while remaining dangerous on the break. Kante brought a real attacking threat early on and in the closing stages – and in between his disciplined defensive work ensured Spurs were kept at arm’s length.
Nemanja Matic: 8
His game-clinching goal was probably worthy of a 10 on its own, but before that sublime strike Matic spent much of the game chasing around and doing the dull-but-worthy midfield donkey work. He maintained his discipline and kept Tottenham’s midfield honest despite often being outnumbered, and was rewarded with the moment of the match.
Marcos Alonso: 6
The Spaniard had a decent enough match, but was troubled by the hugely impressive Christian Eriksen for the most part. He improved in the closing stages, with his touch and ability on the ball impressing as Chelsea regained control after Eden Hazard’s strike.
Pedro: 7
The Spaniard brought terrific energy and work-rate and could well have given Chelsea the lead had he not been cynically brought down by Toby Alderweireld for the free-kick that led to Chelsea’s first goal. It was not his day in attack but he contributed to a professional team effort.
Willian: 8
Willian started impressively and continued to pose problems until he was taken off. He scored a wonderful free-kick and assumed responsibility to coolly convert from the spot for his second goal in the absence of both Diego Costa and Hazard.
Michy Batshuayi: 5
He failed to make the most of several promising moments when he couldn’t win possession when only marked by a solitary defender and was unable to hold the ball up on numerous occasions. His work-rate was fine and he showed some neat touches, but Chelsea missed Costa.
Eden Hazard: 8
Changed the course of the game. His dribbling ability scared Tottenham, who were forced to rethink slightly and after scoring a fabulous goal, he began to find more space. His burst led to Matic’s stunning goal and he could have had a second late on after racing through.
Diego Costa: 7
His mere presence after coming on brought confidence to his team-mates and he showed the inexperienced Batshuayi the importance of holding the ball up.
Cesc Fabregas: 6
His corner kick led to Hazard’s goal almost immediately after coming on and typified a shrewd performance that brought calm to a manic match.
