Chelsea ended their momentous year by coming from behind to win at Everton. Here’s how we rated the players in their 2-1 victory.
Petr Cech: 7
Produced a couple of magnificent saves that kept Chelsea in the game in the first half. No chance with Everton’s goal. If his injury is more than just a knock it will be a massive setback.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 6
The Toffees targeted Chelsea’s right wing, trying to make full use of Leighton Baines’ quality, but the Spaniard just about coped with the pressure. Looks to be settling in more and more each game.
Ashley Cole: 7
Will get lazy criticism for Everton’s goal coming down his flank but was bombing on to give support in attack. Positional play was as impressive as ever, barely wasted possession all game and his experience was crucial when the hosts threatened to run away with the game early on.
Gary Cahill: 7
Another rock-solid display. Commanding, confident and unflustered. Uses the ball intelligently and very much a player who knows his role and does it brilliantly with the team in mind.
Branislav Ivanovic: 7
Dominant in the air and sensible and safe on the deck. Is forming a fine partnership and understanding with Cahill.
Ramires: 8
His drive makes a huge difference to Chelsea’s midfield and even more so when is deployed in a slightly more forward role. Provides the legs alongside Frank Lampard’s nous and made countless dangerous runs that almost led to goals, as well as teeing up Lampard’s opener.
David Luiz 6
Not his best game and was guilty of giving the ball away on too many occasions, but is a real pest to the opposition. He’s like Robbie Savage with technical ability. One sublime pass almost set up Fernando Torres.
Frank Lampard: 9
Two brilliant goals for different reasons took his Blues tally to 192 – just one behind Kerry Dixon. Relentless running and commendable discipline was the key to allowing Ramires and Luiz to bomb forward and still found time to weigh in with both goals. Brings class, inspiration, leadership, vision, calmness, organisation and goals. If he is allowed to leave it will be scandalous.
Eden Hazard: 6
Plenty of endeavour but the more cautious, organised approach means he is struggling to make the impact he did earlier in the season. Did well defensively and his unselfish work was crucial to the victory.
Juan Mata: 7
His class shone through after a difficult start. Everton pinpointed him as the main threat and he was closed down instantly. But such is his quality that he gradually forced himself into the game and still had a major influence.
Fernando Torres: 6
Heavily involved in both goals and unlucky with one fierce shot. But his control let him down on a couple of occasions and he still lacks conviction at times. Still not back to his very best despite all his recent goals.
Ross Turnbull: 7
Rarely tested after the break but crucially was calm and composed after replacing Cech. Dominated his area, used the ball well and made one excellent save.
Oscar: 7
Looks desperate to prove a point and is very unfortunate not to be in the side. Adjusted well to the frenetic final period, made some vital tackles and never looks fazed.
Victor Moses: 6
Didn’t see much of the ball when he came on but doubled up on the left with Cole and did an important defensive job.
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This post was last modified on 31/12/2012