Chelsea v Manchester United player ratings
Chelsea earned an impressive 1-0 win over Manchester United thanks to Alvaro Morata’s brilliant header. Here’s how we rated each Blues player in the victory at Stamford Bridge.
Thibaut Courtois: 7
Made a decent first-half save from Romelu Lukaku and his only other save of the game in the final stages from Marouane Fellaini. Both were fairly regulation, but the keeper was also commanding and dominant when the ball was played into the box.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 9
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Played with commendable composure and was quick to join in and commit defenders. He helped created several excellent attacking situations and used his pace to great effect at the other end of the pitch, keeping Marcus Rashford quiet for much of the game. One such surge, and a delightful cross created the winner for Morata.
Andreas Christensen: 8
The Dane gave another assured display and came close to opening the scoring with a header from a Cesc Fabregas corner in the first period. He got too tight on Lukaku on one occasion before the break but was otherwise excellent.
Gary Cahill: 8
Gave a brilliantly understated performance, winning his headers, moving the ball quickly and taking no risks.
Davide Zappacosta: 7
His attacking threat was a regular feature throughout and his fine run and smart cross should have led to Tiemoue Bakayoko scoring before the interval. Was solid in defence and full of energy until he was replaced out of tactical necessity when the height of Antonio Rudiger was needed.
N’Golo Kante: 8
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Kante’s return was eagerly anticipated and this performance showed exactly why. He inspired confidence throughout, never letting his opponents settle, and bringing security to those around him. His ability on the ball is much underrated.
Tiemoue Bakayoko: 8
He was only let down by his finishing but was otherwise superb, bringing the extra sort of energy and midfield bustle that was wanted alongside Kante. He should have scored at least two goals, missing glorious chances in either half, but his dominant performance showed exactly why Nemanja Matic was sold.
Marcos Alonso: 7
Coped admirably with the threat out wide posed by Antonio Valencia and was typically tidy in possession, giving the ball to the attacking trio as early as possible.
Cesc Fabregas: 9
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Dominated the midfield along with Bakayoko and Kante, constantly demanding possession and finding space throughout. His passing – both short and long – was excellent and he thrived playing in a more advanced role with Kante as the comfort blanket.
Eden Hazard: 9
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A performance to suit the occasion from the Belgian. Hazard was strong with the ball at feet, dictating the play and creating numerous chances. He withstood some robust challenges and remained Chelsea’s best attacker throughout.
Alvaro Morata: 8
Got back to form with a stunning winner and was much better holding the ball up than he has been in recent weeks. He did waste a couple of excellent openings, but provided a strong focal point.
Antonio Rudiger: 6
Came on the final quarter and won his fair share of headers and defended sensibly and solidly.
Danny Drinkwater: 6
Did plenty of running and played his part in helping Chelsea to secure the win their performance deserved.
