John Terry returned and Kenedy scored on his full debut for Chelsea as they eased into the fourth round of the League Cup. Here’s how we rated the Blues players in the 4-1 win at Walsall.
Asmir Begovic: 6
Didn’t have much to do. Could have done better when parrying a free-kick for Walsall’s goal.
Branislav Ivanovic: 5
Ivanovic has had a poor start to the season and even against League One opposition he had some problems. Former Chelsea youngster Milan Lalkovič had some success on the flank.
John Terry: 6
Solid on his return to the starting line-up. Calm and composed throughout.
Gary Cahill: 7
Had a good game at the back and was particularly impressive during a first-half spell in which Walsall put the Blues under some pressure.
Baba Rahman: 7
Came in for Cesar Azpilicueta and is certainly more comfortable going forward on the left than the primarily right-footed Spaniard.
John Mikel Obi: 8
Did his job very well in midfield and was involved in the build-up to two of Chelsea’s goals.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek: 8
Boss Jose Mourinho’s previous criticism of the young midfielder seems to have had a positive effect. He looks fitter and sharper, and he was very impressive in this game, not least when setting Kenedy up for the third Chelsea goal.
Ramires: 8
Praised along with Mikel by Mourinho for his performance and rightly so. He scored the opening goal and his work-rate never dropped.
Kenedy: 8
A fine full debut for the Brazilian youngster, who set up Ramires’ opener and found the net himself with a nice finish early in the second half. He has pace, skill and bundles of potential.
Loic Remy: 7
Scored with an emphatic finish – his first goal of the season – and always looked a threat.
Radamel Falcao: 7
Unable to find the net but his movement was excellent and enabled Chelsea’s other attacking players to do the damage.
Pedro: 7
His class and trickery meant he made an immediate impact after coming on as a substitute. And his injury-time goal put the gloss on Chelsea’s win.
Nemanja Matic: 6
Kept things ticking over in midfield when he came on in the second half.