Chelsea v Newcastle player ratings
Michy Batshuayi scored twice as Chelsea recovered from a slow start to beat Newcastle in the FA Cup. Here’s how we rated the Blues players in the 3-0 win in the fourth-round tie at Stamford Bridge.
Willy Caballero: 7
He didn’t have much to do in terms of dealing with crosses but made three more than decent saves, twice denying Jonjo Shelvey and reacting quickly to keep out Chancel Mbemba’s prodded effort.
Antonio Rudiger: 7
Almost scored with a delightful left-foot shot in the first period and, aside from one hesitant moment when he got in Gary Cahill’s way, he did his defensive work without fuss.
Andreas Christensen: 8
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Unflappable and always in control, the Dane was imposing and typically confident on the ball.
Gary Cahill: 7
The England centre-back returned to captain the side and led accordingly, with a brave and commanding display.
Davide Zappacosta: 8
Always positive and was one of the only players to show up in a dismal opening 30 minutes. He continued to provide an outlet on the right flank, sending in numerous teasing crosses and almost scoring with a brilliant curling effort late on after cutting inside.
Danny Drinkwater: 6
Battled throughout and started to get a grip on the midfield in the second period, which enabled Chelsea to boss the match.
N’Golo Kante: 7
Kante brought his usual bite and snap to the midfield, and instigated plenty of attacks by breaking up play and picking out a quick, simple pass.
Marcos Alonso: 8
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A stunning free-kick capped a superb all-round display from Chelsea’s left-wing back but his awareness and pass for Batshuayi’s opener was arguably even more impressive. He could also have scored with a beautifully struck first-time volley from Davide Zappacosta’s cross.
Pedro: 7
Tenacious and bright and got through a great deal of defensive work. His pass in the build-up to Batshuayi’s opening goal was exquisite and he also played his part in the second goal, but he was still slightly overshadowed by Eden Hazard.
Eden Hazard: 8
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Chelsea’s creative leader was dominant and mightily impressive, without truly being in top gear. His speed of thought and mind laid on the first two goals and he consistently troubled the Newcastle defence, but he looked like he was playing slightly within himself.
Michy Batshuayi: 7
Batshuayi seemed a different player after giving Chelsea the lead with a chance that could barely be missed. A fine run earned him the right to get the second via a fortunate deflection and his movement and hold-up play suddenly began to look good after an opening 30 minutes where he was hardly involved and lost possession when he did get on the ball.
Ross Barkley: 6
A vital 20 minutes of game time for the recent signing, who showed some neat touches.
Ethan Ampadu: 7
Brings a confidence and composure that belies his age and already looks comfortable playing in the back three.
Callum Hudson-Odoi: 6
The 17-year-old got a tremendous reception after coming on in the final 10 minutes and showed a couple of promising moments on a day he will no doubt treasure.
