BATE v Chelsea player ratings

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Olivier Giroud’s goal was his first since May. [Picture: AP Photo/Sergei Grits]

Olivier Giroud’s first goal of the season sealed Chelsea’s place in the knockout phase of the Europa League. Here’s how we rated each Blues player in their 1-0 win in Belarus.

Kepa Arrizabalaga: 6

Untroubled for large spells of the game and yet his goal led a charmed life at times, with BATE hitting the woodwork on three occasions. The Spaniard produced an important first-half save to keep out Igor Stasevich’s flick.

Davide Zappacosta: 6

Stasevich had some success on the flank against the Chelsea right-back, whose positioning was questionable on occasions.

Andreas Christensen: 5

Another performance which did nothing to help his case for a regular place in the team. Just as in his previous couple of appearances, he gave the ball away far too often, causing Chelsea unnecessary problems.

Christensen was among those brought into the Chelsea side. [Picture: AP Photo/Sergei Grits]

Gary Cahill: 6

Also unconvincing, and wasteful with the ball. But he saved the day with a vital challenge to prevent BATE forcing home an equaliser after they hit the post in the final seconds.

Emerson Palmieri: 7

A fine cross to Giroud for the goal and always looked a threat out wide.

Jorginho: 7

Smart first-time ball out to Emerson on the left in the build up to the goal and was always calm and composed in midfield.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek: 6

A disappointing night for Loftus-Cheek, who scored a hat-trick against BATE at Stamford Bridge but was below par this time. The midfielder giving away possession in the first half led to a chance for the home side they should have scored from, and in general he struggled to make an impact and was clearly hugely disappointed to be substituted in the second half.

Ross Barkley: 7

Poor in the first half but much better after the break. Saw a second-half strike saved and went close with another effort.

Giroud netted early in the second half. [Picture: AP Photo/Sergei Grits]

Pedro: 6

Didn’t produce much in an attacking sense but got through plenty of work on the right-hand side.

Eden Hazard: 6

Slowed flashes of his class on his return to the starting line-up after his recent injury, and this was a useful outing for him, but BATE defended in numbers and worked hard to deny Hazard space.

Olivier Giroud: 7

Worked hard up front and took his goal well, finally ending his drought. But he had chances to score at least one more.

Willian: 7

Made an impression after coming on for Hazard just after the hour mark. Stretched the tiring home side with his direct running and created an opening for Jorginho, who fired over.

Mateo Kovacic: 6

Steady in midfield after coming on for Loftus-Cheek.




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