Arsenal v Chelsea player ratings

Chelsea eased into the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup with a resounding victory at the Emirates Stadium. Here’s how we rated the players in their 2-0 win against Arsenal.

Mark Schwarzer: 7
A comfortable night for the veteran keeper, who was hardly tested as Chelsea defended resolutely in front of him even when Arsenal had the Blues under pressure. Produced a good save to deny Olivier Giroud when he was called upon.

Cesar Azpilicueta: 8
An excellent display by the Spaniard, capped by his first goal for the club. Solid defensively and always willing to get forward – not least when his sprint from his own half after an Arsenal corner ended with him opening the scoring.

Gary Cahill: 8
Very impressive at the back. Won a number of important challenges and organised the defence well in the absence of skipper John Terry.

David Luiz: 8
No sign of the kind of lapse which marred his recent display against Cardiff as Luiz played his part in a tremendous defensive display by the Blues. And as always, his ability on the ball meant he stepped into midfield at the right times, giving his team a platform on which to build attacks.

Ryan Bertrand: 7
Didn’t put a foot wrong on his return to the side. Defended well, especially during an important spell early in the second half when Arsenal had plenty of possession.

Michael Essien: 7
Rolled back the years with a really good performance in midfield. Sensible on the ball, firm in the tackle and still has plenty of energy, as he showed when involved in the build-up to the opening goal.

John Mikel Obi: 8
Has his critics, and often gives them ammunition, but this was Mikel at his best. He closed down Arsenal’s dangerous attacking midfielders effectively, offered great protection to his back four and his passing was good.

Willian: 8
The summer signing hasn’t really got going as an attacking force yet but he showed another side to his game in this match, getting through a phenomenal amount of work in tracking back and constantly occupying Arsenal’s stressed defenders. Seems to have really bought into Jose Mourinho’s team philosophy.

Juan Mata: 8
The popular playmaker looked back to his best, causing the Arsenal defence all sorts of problems with his passing and clever movement. And his goal – a cracking strike from the edge of the penalty area – knocked the stuffing out of the home side shortly after their introduction of Mesut Ozil.

Kevin de Bruyne: 7
His questionable work-rate previously irritated Mourinho, but the Belgian responded with a determined display.

Samuel Eto’o: 7
Had a frustrating night in some ways but did a good job for the team, working hard up front and linking play well. Was unlucky not to score a third goal for Chelsea late on.

Ramires: 7
Did well after coming on midway through the second half. Closed down effectively and got into some dangerous areas.

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