Chelsea v Manchester City player ratings
Chelsea were beaten on penalties by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final. Here’s how we rated each Blues player at Wembley.
Kepa Arrizabalaga: 6
After his extraordinary refusal to come off, the keeper should have saved Sergio Aguero’s penalty in the shootout. Was well protected by his defence during the game.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 7
Torn to shreds by Raheem Sterling during the recent 6-0 humiliation at City, the usually dependable Azpilicueta looked much more like himself this time. He was solid defensively and the highlight of his performance was a superb saving challenge to deny Aguero.
David Luiz: 7
Aside from a couple of dodgy moments and a daft challenge on Bernado Silva, Luiz had a very decent game at the heart of the Chelsea defence.
Antonio Rudiger: 8
Also impressive, Rudiger won countless challenges and intervened with several interceptions to keep City at bay.
Emerson Palmieri: 8
In for Marcos Alonso, who was dreadful in the 6-0 loss, Emerson fared far better as City got much less joy in wide areas this time. He was a threat going forward too, setting up a chance for Eden Hazard with a superb pass.
Jorginho: 7
The much-maligned midfielder showed the useful side to his game, frustrating City and helping Chelsea stay solid in the centre of the pitch.
N’Golo Kante: 8
Missed a great chance when he blasted over after being set up by Hazard, but Kante’s overall performance was outstanding. He was relentless, covering a ridiculous amount of ground and starring at both ends of the field. Brilliant.
Ross Barkley: 7
Out of form of late but this was much better. Barkley did well in midfield before – as usual – being taken off, albeit with just a couple of minutes remaining this time.
Willian: 8
Worked tirelessly up and down the flank, playing a major role in making sure there was no repeat of City’s thrashing of the Blues, while also getting forward to support Hazard.
Pedro: 7
Worked hard wide out too but faded before going off in the second half.
Eden Hazard: 8
Again asked to lead the attack, Hazard justified the decision with grit and determination off the ball when needed to help keep Chelsea in the game until a second-half spell when they had City wobbling and Hazard caused Vincent Kompany also sorts of problems – not least when he sped away from him to create the chance for Kante.