Chelsea v Man City player ratings

Chelsea moved up to second courtesy of a last-minute winner in a dramatic game at Stamford Bridge. Here’s how we rated the players in their 2-1 victory against Manchester City.

Petr Cech: 6
Should have done better for Sergio Aguero’s equaliser. Made a fine stop with his feet afterwards to redeem himself and was positionally sound.

Branislav Ivanovic: 8
A very influential attacking figure. Made countless telling surges, often beating his man and delivering a good ball into the box. It did expose the right flank on the break but he was obviously told to bomb on and did so very effectively.

Gary Cahill: 7
Outshone his centre-back partner with some fine defending. Did not dive in and showed great awareness and positional sense when covering for Ivanovic on more than one occasion.

John Terry: 7
Quietly effective and disciplined throughout. Was caught out by Aguero’s sensational run for the equaliser but there’s no disgrace in that. Brings such calmness and confidence even when he is not heavily involved individually.

Ashley Cole: 7
Defensively impressive, but rarely seen in attack. Sensible approach given the fact his fellow full-back was marauding forward at every opportunity. Provided much-needed balance.

Frank Lampard: 7
Is beginning to create a niche in a deeper midfield role. Always looking to win possession quickly and set up instant attacks. Tenacious in the tackle and showed his cynical side by taking a booking for the team.

Ramires: 7
Could easily have received a second yellow card for a rash challenge after the break. But made numerous typically purposeful attacking runs and responded brilliantly against a crowded midfield and, in particular, the bullying figure of Yara Toure.

Oscar: 7
Quiet by his own standards so far this season but made several fine runs, tackled effectively and with real purpose – and never hid even when City were on top.

Eden Hazard: 6
Very quiet and unable to produce his match-winning best. Work-rate was impressive but often double marked and clearly identified as the man that City most needed to stop.

Andre Schurrle: 6
Took up a great position to score the opening goal and played an important role for the team. His defensive qualities and willingness to track back were crucial but he rarely beat his man in attack.

Fernando Torres: 9
Played with complete conviction even though he missed an early sitter. Last season’s Torres would probably have been affected by that. This season’s incarnation set up the equaliser with a stunning run, almost curled in a glorious effort soon after and never stopped running. His reward came when his pressure forced a mistake and he tapped in the winner.

John Mikel Obi: 7
Steady in midfield just when Chelsea needed a bit more stability. Chelsea’s Marmite man had a very effective final 25 minutes.

Willian: 5
Disappointing contribution until his rushed clearance flukily set up the winner. Wasted several good positions with tame deliveries and equally tame attempts to beat his man. His quality is obvious and he will surely prove a class act when he adjusts to life in England.

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