Chelsea v Scunthorpe player ratings
Chelsea moved into the fourth round of the FA Cup with an unconvincing victory over League One side Scunthorpe United. Here’s how we rated the Blues players in the win at Stamford Bridge.
Asmir Begovic: 6
A couple of decent catches and regulation saves in a steady display. But was lucky to get away with an awful second-half clearance.
Branislav Ivanovic: 5
Rarely troubled defensively but still lacking in confidence with ball at feet and looked uncomfortable in the final third.
Gary Cahill: 5
Took risks on several occasions in dangerous positions and was fortunate to get away with it. Didn’t look at his sharpest.
Kurt Zouma: 7
Outshone his defensive partner, making a couple of timely interceptions and defending with minimum fuss, albeit against a team with limited ability and attacking intent.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 7
As reliable as ever defensively and set up the second goal with a sensible cross with his untrustworthy left foot. Is understandably not entirely happy going forward on the left, but retained possession well and kept things simple.
Ramires: 5
Had more time in possession than he normally gets and that invariably shows up the Brazilian’s lack of guile and quality on the ball. This was no exception.
Cesc Fabregas: 6
A mixed bag from the Spaniard, whose astute first-time passing was at the heart of all Chelsea’s best attacks. He was guilty of some sloppy moments too, but still injected much-needed pace in to some laborious and predictable play. A fine pass led to the Ruben Loftus-Cheek goal.
Oscar: 6
Came close to scoring after a clever interchange with Diego Costa and curling strike, and always looked dangerous in a decent 45 minutes before making way for Loftus-Cheek.
Willian: 8
It’s hard to pick fault with Chelsea’s undoubted star of the season. Strong, athletic and dependable in defence and composed and threatening in attack. His excellence is becoming standard.
Pedro: 5
Has shown some promising signs in recent weeks and was once again busy, but has yet to shine and rarely makes a telling contribution. Still to prove his value.
Diego Costa: 6
Is spending less time scrapping and arguing with defenders and is much improved from some dreadful early-season showings, but not at the level he demonstrated last season.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek: 7
Brought energy and a willingness to run with the ball and run in behind and took his goal exceptionally well. Rightly praised for his efforts in the second half by Guus Hiddink. A fine performance.
