Chelsea weren’t at their best but a late goal gave them valuable points in the race for the title. Here’s how we rated the players in their 1-0 victory against Everton.
Petr Cech: 8
A quiet lunchtime in the main but organised well, commanded his area effectively and made one superb save in each half. The first-half effort to tip over Leon Osman’s strike was impressive enough but his second-half reaction stop from an Osman shot that was deflected towards the corner by Kevin Mirallas was stunning.
Branislav Ivanovic: 7
Defensively sound enough but not as involved going forward as he usually is – and that is often a key indicator of how much control Chelsea have on the game.
John Terry : 8
A reassuring return from Chelsea’s inspirational leader. Calm and assured at the back for the most part – even if he was a little slow to get into his stride against an Everton side who did not field a recognised striker. Still some dispute about the winning goal, but even if he did not get a touch, it was his presence that ensured it went in.
Gary Cahill: 7
Like Terry, seemed to initially struggle to get to grips with an unusual Everton formation but did not make any mistakes and played his part in a decent defensive display.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 8
Just about edged out Terry as the best defensive performer. The Spaniard supported the attack throughout and his workrate was phenomenal. He was rightly singled out for praise by boss Jose Mourinho afterwards.
Nemanja Matic: 6
Not his best game and looked a bit slow at times when confronted with a nippy and busy Everton midfield. Denied space and unable to dominate games like he has in most of his previous appearances.
Frank Lampard: 6
Brilliant delivery for the winner but otherwise quiet. His workrate and desire remain and he does so much of the donkey work off the ball when he plays in the holding role. More prominent after the break when he had a bit more freedom, but unable to influence the game.
Oscar: 5
Unlucky to be booked but never looked like the player who was so outstanding during the first half of the season. Mourinho revealed the Brazilian was struggling with an unspecified injury and had to come off at half-time and that explains his below-par display.
Willian: 6
Some trademark runs and astonishingly quick feet on the edge of the box saw him get shots away when he had no right to, but another player who was overcrowded as the visitors won the tactical battle in the midfield area for much of the game.
Eden Hazard: 7
Strong and heavily involved, but was crowded out by Everton’s packed midfield who seemed to get their tactics spot on in identifying the Belgian as Chelsea’s biggest threat. Never stopped trying to make things happen though.
Samuel Eto’o: 6
A story of what might have been, with the striker almost finding space on about three occasions. Unlucky with one blocked shot before a hopeless mis-kicked attempt when well placed. It didn’t quite happen but it was not because of any lack of effort.
Ramires: 7
Typical Ramires. Ran himself ragged in a vital second-half display which was just what was needed as Chelsea looked to get some initiative in the centre of the pitch. Won the free-kick for the winner and gave much needed energy and zip.
Fernando Torres: 6
Had 30 minutes to make an impact and showed plenty of willingness but once again seems to be starting at square one after an injury lay-off. Didn’t look sharp and could have done better with a couple of half-chances but was a bit slow to read the situation.
Everton:
Impressive stuff from the Merseysiders, who were desperately unlucky to lose. They refused to be affected by an injury to towering frontman Lacina Traore in the pre-match warm-up that disrupted their plans and, after a slow opening spell, were the better side for long spells. Steven Naismith worked tirelessly across the line up top, and Osman and Steven Pienaar’s class and creativity and ability to retain possession enabled them to boss the midfield. Mirallas was the best attacking player on the pitch and but for some erratic finishing, the visitors could easily have left with all three points rather than nothing. They play decent, attractive and effective football and will play a lot worse than this and win comfortably.
Man of the match: Azpilicueta
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This post was last modified on 23/02/2014