It was a frustrating night for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, where West Ham defended resolutely to deny them an eighth consecutive win. Here’s how we rated the Blues players in the 0-0 draw.
Petr Cech: 7
Didn’t have much to do but produced an important save to keep out James’ Tomkins’ first-half header.
Branislav Ivanovic: 7
As determined as ever. He also showed his versatility, both when continuing to bomb forward despite not looking completely comfortable doing so and then when switched to a more defensive role after a second-half reshuffle.
Gary Cahill: 8
Calm and composed despite the wet conditions and the physical presence of Andy Carroll. The defender is in excellent form at the moment.
John Terry: 7
Also played well at the back. Unlucky not to score with a first-half header from Willian’s corner.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 6
Uninspiring but solid enough at left-back before being taken off when boss Jose Mourinho opted for a formation change in the second half.
John Mikel Obi: 7
An unusually uneventful night for the holding midfielder as no ‘holding’ was needed against a side that got men behind the ball and bypassed the midfield in favour of long balls up to Carroll when they were able to venture forward. Mikel took the opportunity to get forward more than he normally does and played his part in Chelsea’s approach play.
Ramires: 5
Not a great night for the Brazilian, who sent one wayward shot well wide of the target and made a total hash of a late cross when he had time and space with plenty of blue shirts in the box.
Oscar: 7
So nearly opened the scoring with fine strike from the left-hand edge of the penalty area that was tipped onto the bar. He also had a lively spell early in the second half and was willing to compete physically with a strong Hammers side, but he did fade somewhat before being taken off.
Willian: 7
Not much went Willian’s way and as always when that happens, his phenomenal work-rate came to the fore. He operated through the middle and on both flanks during the game and always looked to receive the ball. Never stopped trying to occupy defenders and create openings for his team-mates.
Eden Hazard: 7
West Ham seemed petrified of the Belgian – and with good reason – but they did succeed in restricting him to one of his least dynamic displays of the season. He still produced moments of quality down the left, including one run that almost led to a late goal.
Samuel Eto’o: 6
Had very little success against the visiting defence and might have done better with a chance in first-half injury time, when he was denied by Adrian’s near-post save.
Frank Lampard: 7
Gave Chelsea the attacking impetus Mourinho wanted, shooting on sight and bursting towards the box at every opportunity. Denied in the final seconds by one of Adrian’s many saves.
Nemanja Matic: 6
Kept thing ticking over in midfield when brought on along with Lampard as Chelsea pressed in search of a goal.
West Ham
Perhaps short on quality, but it’s inconceivable that Sam Allardyce’s side will go down if they keep playing with the kind of spirit and resolve they showed at the Bridge. Numerous shots were blocked as players threw themselves in harm’s way – and Adrian had a great night in goal.
Man of the match: Adrian
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This post was last modified on 30/01/2014