Chelsea’s players certainly responded to boss Jose Mourinho’s call to improve their defensive work off the ball, producing a resolute performance against Arsenal. Here’s how we rated the players in their goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium.
Petr Cech: 7
Had nothing to do for 80 minutes then showed his concentration and quality with two important contributions. His positioning for Olivier Giroud’s chance was spot on, meaning he would have saved it even if it had been on target, and his save from the Frenchman soon after was superb.
Branislav Ivanovic: 7
Steady and dependable as ever. Only once was the big defender caught out, when Giroud shot wide after being put through. But otherwise he was comfortable and used the ball sensibly.
John Terry: 8
Faultless. Inspirational and commanding from the first whistle, Terry is as important for the calm he brings to those around him as for his undoubted defensive qualities.
Gary Cahill: 8
Equally as impressive as his centre-back partner, Cahill had an excellent game and saved the day with some important clearances.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 6
Attacked in tenacious fashion and his pace was more than a match for Theo Walcott going the other way. But positionally he was caught out a few times and by no means did the Spaniard look comfortable at left-back.
John Mikel Obi: 7
Covered very little ground and wasn’t always pleasing on the eye, but he was strong and confident throughout. A good display.
Frank Lampard: 7
Ran tirelessly, making a mockery of his advancing years and could easily have ended up with a couple of goals as a reward for some trademark breaks into the box. Desperately unlucky with a first-half shot that hit the bar.
Ramires: 7
Some typically sloppy moments in possession, mainly before the break, but his work-rate is staggering and with a bit more luck he could have created a goal with some good simple passing into the creative players ahead of him.
Willian: 7
Some brilliant runs from deep and a couple of decent passes in the final third that so nearly created a winner. But he wasted a wonderful chance, shooting tamely towards goal when Chelsea broke before the interval. Was also lucky not to give away a penalty in the first half for a lazy challenge on Walcott.
Eden Hazard: 8
Often double-marked but still a huge influence. Used the ball superbly and his pass for Lampard’s shot that hit the bar was delightful. Strong and reliable in possession and dangerous every time he had the ball.
Fernando Torres: 7
Had nothing in the way of chances, but made some intelligent lay-offs and bright runs off the ball. From the off, the Spaniard steamed around the pitch as if his life depended on it. If that work-rate and intensity becomes the norm, then he will surely start to find the net more regularly.
Arsenal
The home side were poor. They rarely opened Chelsea up – just a few noteworthy chances created throughout tells the story.
Man of the match
Terry
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This post was last modified on 24/12/2013
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Sorry - I'm new to being a football fan this year here in Canada. But every Chelsea game I've seen, Torres is easily the most lazy guy on the pitch.
"Just a few noteworthy chances" for the home team. Maybe, but why? because we got kicked out of the stadium while Dean turned a blind eye that's why.
Very amused by the comment about Obi Mikel, being "not very pleasing on the eye". He wasn't very pleasing on Arteta's shin either. I suppose it must half been a faulty shin pad Arteta was wearing which is why it snapped on impact with Mikel studs.
Still, why let the facts stand in the way of a bias story.
What a rubbish are article to say Arsenal were poor, chelsea parked the BUS, and Arsenal should have won the game. I was surprised Ashely Cole did not sit in the Arsenal dug out.Mikel should have been sent off.
Its sad to see so many Chelski supporters elated with the mourihno style of football. Yes, given the fact that ALL his trophies have come from buying success but they will never live down the tag of boring and dirty. What football was played was snuffed out by dirt pre-planned by the manager. You can see why he was so hated in Madrid despite buying a few more trophies. Funny how this moronic little man, who loves his own voice, justify's his teams dirt with insults . His comments are childlike but love by the press and West London, but laughed at everywhere else. Its sad for me as an older Gunner who remember the real Chelsea who deserved all that they won. Still, as for my team, we were at least trying to win the game with entertaining football and were overrunning the hardnuts by the end.
You didn't give a rating for Chelsea's man of the match.................Mike Dean