Eden Hazard’s goal was enough to see off Swansea at Stamford Bridge, where the Belgian produced a brilliant display. Here’s how we rated the players in their 1-0 victory.
Petr Cech: 7
Hardly tested, but produced a crucial save when called upon, denying Swansea a first-half equaliser by tipping over Alvaro Vasquez’s close-range effort.
Branislav Ivanovic: 8
An excellent display at right-back. Ivanovic kept Wayne Routledge quiet and also got forward well, offering an attacking outlet on the right-hand side throughout. Hit one fine cross-field pass to Hazard, who then seemed to be fouled in the box.
John Terry: 7
Assured at the back and a threat at the other end, where his towering presence at the far post almost led to a first-half goal for Samuel Eto’o.
David Luiz: 7
Justified his selection with a strong and composed display alongside Terry. Put himself in harm’s way with a couple of important blocks during a brief spell of Swansea pressure after the goal.
Ashley Cole: 7
Making his first league start since the defeat at Newcastle in November, Cole looked sharp at left-back and fed Hazard in the build-up to the goal.
John Mikel Obi: 7
Caught out of position a couple of times. Had a decent game but was less impressive than against Arsenal on Monday.
Ramires: 6
Covered plenty of ground as usual, which helped the Blues control the game. But his passing was poor at times and he was too hesitant on the ball when in the final third.
Juan Mata: 7
Served up a couple of superb deliveries from the right, including one that should have led to a goal for Eto’o. Had a good game but is capable of better.
Oscar: 7
Things aren’t quite going for him in an attacking sense, but his work-rate has been admirable and was evident when he won possession and whipped in a dangerous cross in the first half. Reads the game well for such a young player and knows when the time is right to drop deep and give his team an extra man in midfield.
Eden Hazard: 9
Created a goal for himself out of nothing and created numerous openings for his team with his passing and mazy runs. Brilliant.
Samuel Eto’o: 5
Defended by boss Jose Mourinho, who insisted two clear-cut chances for the striker ended with fine saves rather than bad misses. But on both occasions Eto’o should have scored. His touch was also poor at times.
Frank Lampard: 7
Did well after coming on and was denied a cracking goal when his low shot was saved.
Andre Schurrle: 6
Neat and tidy after coming on for the final 20 minutes or so.
Swansea
The visitors knocked the ball around nicely but were well beaten – and somewhat flattered by the final scoreline, which didn’t reflect Chelsea’s superiority.
Man of the match
Hazard
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This post was last modified on 27/12/2013