Chelsea overcame a poor start to carve out a convincing win against the Premier League new boys. Here’s how we rated the players in their 4-1 victory.
Petr Cech: 7
Was eventually able to celebrate on his 300th Premier League appearance, after being left in the lurch for Cardiff’s opener by Ramires’ short backpass and David Luiz’s lack of awareness. Made an excellent save to prevent Cardiff going 2-0 up. How different might the result have been if that had gone in?
Branislav Ivanovic: 6
Had little to do defensively so was able to roam forward on a number of occasions, but his crossing was wayward. Occasionally out of position at the back but made one important tackle in the first half.
David Luiz: 5
Completely took his eye off the ball – and Jordon Mutch – as Ramires’ underhit pass was intercepted by the Cardiff midfielder for the opener. Unflappable is one thing, but Luiz was so casual he was almost be horizontal at times. Booked for a cynical high block and was guilty of giving the ball away too often.
John Terry: 8
By contrast, the skipper was his usual immaculate self. Always focused, always determined and was inches away from equalising with a trademark header from a corner. Kept calm while those around him looked flustered in the first half.
Ryan Bertrand: 6
Always keen, got up and down and provided solid support for Eden Hazard but lacks the self-assurance and attacking penetration of Ashley Cole. Sacrificed for Fernando Torres midway through the second half.
Ramires: 7
Struggled to impose himself in a crowded midfield and played his part in Cardiff’s goal. Stood out more in the second half when the game opened up, testing keeper David Marshall with a shot.
Frank Lampard: 7
Did the simple things well while allowing the front four to shine ahead of him. Helped set up Hazard for his second goal.
Willian: 6
Was bright early on but drifted in and out of the game at times and was overshadowed by Hazard and substitute Oscar.
Juan Mata: 5
The little master’s air-shot early on was to sum up his afternoon. Virtually anonymous until he was replaced just before the hour mark. Was frustrated by the close attentions of Don Cowie.
Eden Hazard: 8
Scored two, made one – the Belgian’s delicate artistry picked the lock that opened up the belligerent Cardiff defence. Forgot the controversy to slam home the first, laid on a cute pass for Eto’o’s strike and then finished it off late on.
Samuel Eto’o: 7
Worked hard without much reward in the first half, tightly shackled by the excellent Steven Caulker, but then created the equaliser out of nothing with his cheeky toe-poke to take the ball away from Marshall. Swung the momentum in Chelsea’s favour with his first strike for the club – a superb finish which shows his world-class instincts remain.
Oscar: 7
Made a big impression after coming on for Mata and added the extra dynamism and trickery to open up the midfield. Capped a fine display with the pick of the goals – a dipping shot from 20 yards which flew over Marshall.
Fernando Torres: 6
Was thrown on at 1-1 as boss Jose Mourinho switched to a 4-4-2 formation, but played alongside Eto’o only briefly, as the Cameroonian was taken off shortly after scoring. Involved in some quick Chelsea breaks but was never really a goal threat.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 6
Brought on after Eto’o’s goal and shored up the defence.
Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook
This post was last modified on 20/10/2013