Tottenham’s late equaliser denied Chelsea a victory that would have effectively sealed their Champions League place. Here’s how we rated the Blues players in the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Petr Cech: 6
Steady but rarely tested. Maybe not positionally perfect for Emmanuel Adebayor’s goal but it was a stunning strike.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 7
Another fine performance from the Spaniard. Calm in possession and his positional sense is improving every week.
Branislav Ivanovic: 6
A couple of hair-raising defensive moments in the first half but made a crucial second-half block and was dominant and effective in the air. Troubled by Adebayor’s movement, but was not alone in that.
Gary Cahill: 7
Like Ivanovic, he was never totally comfortable dealing with Adebayor, but produced another error-free display. Easy to criticise for failing to close down quicker for Tottenham’s opener, but had players running off all sorts of angles and lacked any cover.
Ashley Cole: 8
Provided brilliant defensive cover on numerous occasions and did a great job against Tottenham’s pace up front. Played a huge part in keeping Gareth Bale as quiet as he is likely to be this season. Always seems to up his performance for the big games.
David Luiz: 7
Looked a little off his very best but won some crucial challenges and set up countless attacks. Seems to be part of the first-choice holding midfield duo alongside fellow Brazilian Ramires.
Ramires: 6
Bundles of energy and a stunning goal, but his quality and decision-making in the final third was not up his normal standard.
Oscar: 7
Great movement for his early goal and endeavour was excellent throughout. Needs to find a better final ball but one of the best players on display.
Juan Mata: 6
His touch was immaculate as ever but he was not as involved as he normally is and less effective when he did get on the ball.
Eden Hazard: 8
Has been consistently excellent in the final third and did not disappoint. His pace is frightening and he knows how to use it to full effect. Maybe, like his team-mates, he could have found a telling pass, and he did miss one great chance. But he creates a buzz of excitement every time he gets the ball and he made a telling defensive contribution too.
Fernando Torres: 7
Phenomenal piece of skill for the Ramires goal, with a stunning drag-back, turn of pace and precision pass. Did waste good positions on numerous occasions after the break, but never stopped running.
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This post was last modified on 09/05/2013