Chelsea v Skakhtar player ratings
Substitute Victor Moses’ last-gasp header gave Chelsea a dramatic Champions League victory against Shakhtar Donetsk. Here’s how we rated the Blues players on an incredible night at Stamford Bridge.
Petr Cech: 7
Possibly could have done better for Shakhtar’s first goal but that is maybe a bit harsh. Didn’t have many saves to make. Nothing he could do for the second. Used the ball well.
Branislav Ivanovic: 8
Another really decent display. Effortlessly switched back to right-back, defended solidly, positionally sound and a threat in attack where he sent in a succession of fine crosses.
Ryan Bertrand: 5
Exposed consistently and seemed to be targeted by the Shakhtar players. System partly to blame, but he showed his lack of experience. Slipped for the first goal and the second came down his side too. Ashley Cole was badly missed.
Gary Cahill: 7
Dependable and dominant in the air. Looks to be growing into his surroundings more and more with each game. Better on the ball than he gets credit for. Impressive.
David Luiz: 6
Cult-hero defender continues to divide opinion. But not at fault for either goal, made some timely interventions and brought the ball out well. Still made one or two awful defensive decisions though and not one of his best evenings.
John Obi Mikel: 7
Amazingly almost scored his first goal in five years. Had a goal disallowed and sent another good effort just wide. Got the balance right between defence and attack, provided good protection and also got forward regularly.
Ramires: 8
Energy to burn. Another lung-busting effort from the Brazilian. Could easily have won a penalty and his relentless running began to wear down the visitors late on.
Oscar: 8
Superb goal capped a wonderful first-half display. Less influential in the second half. But his workrate, tracking and battling qualities are almost as impressive as his silky skills.
Juan Mata: 6
Quiet by his majestic standards. Some great touches and passes but wasted one or two good positions to create openings in the final third. However, his average game is another man’s star turn.
Fernando Torres: 7
Still flits between unconvincing to unplayable in a matter of moments. A couple of wonderful turns, showed some good bursts of pace, harried and hassled the home defence and was rewarded with a goal. Less involved after the break and typically frustrating at times.
Eden Hazard: 8
Really beginning to settle. Was always involved, beats his man time after time, has scintillating pace, commendable resilience and a classy first touch. Some player.
Victor Moses: 7
Only on for 10 minutes but his goal could end up keeping the Blues in the competition. Brilliant, brilliant header.
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08/11/2012 @ 6:15 pm
Petr Cech: 6
Should have done better with at least one of the goals. Needs to show a bit more composure under pressure.
Branislav Ivanovic: 7
Average display by Branner, should be doing better.
Ryan Bertrand: 5
Probably the worsed he has played, needs to watch out or he will be replaced, this is Chelsea not Arsenal.
Gary Cahill: 7
Good solid performance, nice one Cahill.
David Luiz: 6
Starting to look dodgy now, and needs to get his act together quickly.
John Obi Mikel: 8.5
Easily the best he has played for Chelsea, I can’t believe nobody else noticed this, bordering on a world class performance, I can see a goal coming.
Ramires: 8
Another good performance by Rammy, keep it coming my son.
Oscar: 8
This boy defies logic, another good performance, has star quality.
Juan Mata: 7
Not one of his best perfomances but still worth a 7.
Fernando Torres: 6
He’s had long enough, has got to go in the window, it’s not working and it never will.
Eden Hazard: 8
Worked incredibly hard to help Bertrand amongst other things, typified why Chelsea edged it.
Victor Moses: 7
A really competant player to have in the squad and now deserves to have more starts.