Chelsea survived a second-half Arsenal fightback to secure a 2-1 victory in the snow at Stamford Bridge. Here’s how we rated the players in their first home win of 2013.
Petr Cech: 7
Made a couple of decent stops and was assured throughout. Commanding in the box with crosses, positionally sound and used the ball effectively.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 7
One of his best games in a Chelsea shirt. A great pass teed up Juan Mata’s opener and he was able to support the attack without compromising his defensive duties. Steady and always involved.
Ashley Cole: 7
Was caught out of position for Arsenal’s goal as he was trying to get forward. But his ability to deal with the jet-heeled Theo Walcott time and time again despite being left one-on-one showed just why his decision to stay is such great news for Chelsea. When Ryan Bertrand came on and Cole had proper cover he was barely troubled.
Gary Cahill: 8
A brilliant injury-time intervention that prevented a glorious chance typified his efforts. Strong and dominant and a key reason why the defence ultimately preserved their advantage and claimed maximum points.
Branislav Ivanovic: 5
Some seriously shaky moments from a man who has regularly been brilliant and one of the most consistent and reliable Chelsea players of recent times. Showed typical strength and power when the defence was under pressure after the break though, and did win a couple of crucial challenges.
Frank Lampard. 8
Brilliant penalty that ultimately proved vital and did plenty of the ugly work that he never gets credit for when the Blues were struggling. His influence was vital late on and no doubt helped settle the nerves of those around him. Fascinating tussle with the multi-talented Jack Wilshere.
Ramires. 9
Sensational in the first half, when his lung-busting performance over-ran the visitors and allowed those ahead of him to play. Quieter when the midfield got a little over-exposed after the turnaround but came back strongly in the final 20 minutes when his team most needed it. And he won the penalty.
Oscar. 7
His tenacity should not be a surprise anymore but his consistency and ability to showcase his natural talent and play for the team in a new league at such a tender age is still a shock. Busy, neat and effective.
Eden Hazard: 8
Has such incredible confidence in his own ability and the pace to match. When in full flow is unstoppable and even a pacy Arsenal side really struggled to deal with the brilliant Belgian. Much less involved after the break but his work-rate never dipped.
Juan Mata: 7
Scored a stunning opening goal and was a massive influence as Chelsea’s front six dominated. Not the only one to fade when Arsenal began to boss things, but his character and willingness to work when things get hard is almost as pleasing as his masterful quality.
Fernando Torres: 6
Desperately needed a home performance after his poor display against Swansea – and produced in patches. Tireless and selfless, he posed plenty of problems and didn’t fade. One purposeful, positive run was vintage Torres and although his weak hold-up play led to Arsenal’s goal, it was generally much better from the Spaniard. Encouraging but we have said that before and now he needs to back this up and add a goal or two.
Demba Ba: 7
Dangerous and provided a focal point after coming on. Brilliant run and then fine initial composure to create a simple chance but then a little casual, allowing Thomas Vermaelen to clear off the line.
Ryan Bertrand: 6
Brought much-needed stability and helped keep Walcott at bay.
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This post was last modified on 21/01/2013
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nice result, bt Benitez made wroug changes, Rayan Betrand has no business in dt match, Mata was weak in d 2nd half nd he gave too much of ball 2 Arsenal. Again, Torres shuld ve playd 90mins alongside Ba. Changes shuld ve been Marin, Ba nd Ake Nathan.