West Ham v Chelsea player ratings
Chelsea’s first visit to the London Stadium ended in elimination from this season’s EFL Cup. Here’s how we rated the Blues players in their 2-1 defeat against West Ham.
Asmir Begovic: 7
Kept out two powerful strikes before half-time and denied Dimitri Payet with a fine stop at the start of the second half. Could perhaps have moved his feet quicker for West Ham’s first goal, but overall it was a decent display.
David Luiz: 5
The kind of unconvincing performance which sees the Brazilian attract criticism. A first-half lapse that enabled Michail Antonio to wriggle away from him almost led to a goal and Luiz never really got to grips with West Ham’s attack.
John Terry: 5
Not a good performance from the captain on his return to the side following his recent injury. Cheikhou Kouyate got in front of him to head in the opening goal and Chelsea were on the back foot in the build up to the second after Terry allowed Antonio to get away.
Gary Cahill: 5
Chelsea’s goalscorer was also short of his best on a night the Blues continually looked vulnerable at the back.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 6
Competent at right wing-back but offered very little going forward.
N’Golo Kante: 6
Had a good first half and saw a shot saved from a similar position from which the Frenchman scored against Manchester United on Sunday. Lost the midfield battle during a crucial second-half spell though.
Nathaniel Chalobah: 6
Also struggled after a first half in which he competed well and had a shot saved.
Ola Aina: 5
A tough night for the youngster, who worked hard but never looked comfortable on the left.
Willian: 6
Not the Willian Chelsea fans know and love. His deliveries from set-pieces were useful but the Brazilian lacked his usual spark and was caught napping in the build up to the second goal. That said, he did create a late chance for Diego Costa with a nice pass.
Michy Batshuayi: 5
Handed a chance to impress and didn’t do so. Missed a great opportunity to equalise in the first half and was hauled off in the second after failing to make any real impact.
Oscar: 6
Also failed to make much of an impression, although he did set up Batshuayi and also got through a fair amount of defensive work.
Diego Costa: 7
Definitely improved Chelsea after coming on. Missed a good chance after being sent through by Willian but worried the West Ham defence with his physical presence and created openings for Willian and Eden Hazard.
Eden Hazard: 7
Also lively after coming on and was unlucky when a scuffed shot from Willian just eluded the unmarked Belgian. Had he been introduced sooner Chelsea might have been able to get back into the match.
Pedro: 6
Another Blues substitute who made a positive difference. Used the ball well and helped out defensively too, not least when saving the day with a challenge near the edge of his own penalty area.