Chelsea v Man Utd player ratings
Chelsea overcame a worrying start and then Jesse Lingard’s second-half goal to earn a point against Manchester United. Here’s how we rated the players in the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Thibaut Courtois: 7
A stunning one-handed save to just about keep out Anthony Martial’s rasping first-half strike was the highlight of a decent performance. Caught well, his distribution was impressive and the Belgian was positionally spot on too.
Branislav Ivanovic: 5
To his credit, the ever-committed Serbian defender made a fine recovery from a disastrous opening 25 minutes when he was hopelessly outclassed by Martial. Ivanovic was beaten with embarrassing ease time after time but as Chelsea improved so did he, despite never looking comfortable. He was also desperately unlucky not to score with a well-timed left-foot volley after the interval.
Kurt Zouma: 7
Had a sound game, taking no risks and bringing the ball out of defence with increasing confidence when United’s risky closing-down approach left space centrally. But the Frenchman’s season could well be over after the horrendous knee injury he suffered just before the hour when he landed awkwardly after leaping to meet a high ball.
John Terry: 8
Another inspiring, all-action display from the captain, which made a mockery of the decision not to have already tied him down to another contract. Defended masterfully and his rousing contribution as he stormed forward in the latter stages played a huge part in earning the point.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 7
The Spaniard was not a major influence in attack, but was a consistently important figure at the back. He often seems well out of his comfort zone in the final third but is always a vital part of any decent defensive display.
Nemanja Matic: 6
Part of a midfield that was bypassed and outclassed in a dire opening spell but recovered well and began to show what a fine midfielder he can be with a couple of powerful runs and a busy display thereafter. But he needs to take the initiative from the off, not when it’s pointed out. He has far more ability than he is showing and had the all-round game to dominate against Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini.
John Mikel Obi: 7
Another player who needed a boot up the backside to drag him out of his early malaise. Played with authority and a drive that helped establish control in the latter stages, with some quick passing from his holding role and some decent bursts forward that created space for others.
Oscar: 6
Played with a little bit more conviction in his unfamiliar wide role but is clearly neither happy or comfortable. Brings tenacity and a real goal threat so does complement Willian on the other flank, but the position simply does not get he best out of him.
Cesc Fabregas: 8
Went missing for the first 25 minutes but upped his game tremendously in the final half-hour when, along with Terry, he was the key man in getting Chelsea back in the game. Began to demand possession, orchestrating things from deep and also getting in advanced areas. His delightful pass teed up the goal and was so close to scoring with a fierce near-post shot after a fine run.
Willian: 8
Was the spark behind Chelsea’s first-half upturn and just about the only man to play to an acceptable level in a dire beginning. Some rampaging runs, cute passes and fine wingplay lifted the crowd and helped get Chelsea back in the game. It was just a shame that his set-piece delivery from some dangerous positions was largely awful in the second period.
Diego Costa: 8
Got lucky with his goal – his sixth in seven Premier League games – but it was a reward for a high-octane display. He made numerous probing runs in behind and cutting in from the flanks, and took up countless smart positions and almost grabbed a late, late winner after one such run. He was his usual snarling, smiling, antagonistic mix of a centre-forward.
Eden Hazard: 6
Didn’t quite look at the races, lacking sharpness after coming in for a 30-minute burst. Did some excellent things, but his touch deserted him on several occasions.
Gary Cahill: 7
The out-of-favour defender was solid after replacing the unfortunate Zouma, managing to provide intelligent cover as his defensive colleagues were forced to pile forward in search of an equaliser. He will get his chance now with Zouma likely to be out for a long time.
Pedro: 7
Made a big difference in an impressive late cameo, running relentlessly against tiring legs, but with decent quality too. Played with a level of confidence that has been lacking for the majority of his season.
