Liverpool v Chelsea player ratings
Eden Hazard’s brilliant first-half goal looked like earning Chelsea victory against Liverpool, only for Christian Benteke to level the score in injury-time. Here’s how we rated the Blues players in the 1-1 draw at Anfield.
Asmir Begovic: 5
Made several decent saves before the interval and had to make a brilliant stop to deny Daniel Sturridge when one-on-one in the second half. But the big goalkeeper was hapless dealing with crosses. He made a hash of numerous balls into the box, culminating with his diabolical attempt to deal with the injury-time centre for Benteke’s equaliser.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 8
The Spaniard was solid and tenacious, covering a tremendous amount of ground and making an impact at both ends.
Gary Cahill: 8
Had a tough time trying to organise an inexperienced, makeshift defence, but was excellent after the team’s nervy first 10 minutes. Played with commonsense and read the game impressively, often dropping off and providing security as those around him committed to win possession.
John Mikel Obi: 7
The Nigerian was unconvincing playing in an unfamiliar role in the centre of defence in the first quarter of the match, but was steady enough thereafter.
Baba Rahman: 6
He got away with a few bizarre clearances and passes, but made two brilliant blocks and showed he is making some progress with his positional play and awareness in defensive situations.
Nemanja Matic: 7
An impressive, energetic performance from the midfielder who, in recent weeks, has finally shown some decent form. Brought much-needed composure although he did get away with a couple of sloppy passes.
Cesc Fabregas: 8
He stood out in a congested midfield, finding time when there often wasn’t any and playing the ball first time to give Eden Hazard and Pedro more space.
Willian: 5
The Brazilian was a peripheral figure but did his defensive work effectively. He didn’t seem to be moving completely freely, however, and was taken off just after the interval.
Eden Hazard: 9
The Belgian revelled in his free role, scoring an absolute dream of a goal after beating defenders and placing the ball into the bottom corner. And the rest of his performance matched that wondergoal. Strong in possession, rarely wasted the ball, tracked back and was a menace throughout.
Pedro: 8
Tireless and dangerous from the first minute, the Spaniard seemed to take inspiration from Hazard’s display, running from deep and using the ball sensibly. He could have wrapped up victory with a glorious late chance, but his effort was well saved by Simon Mignolet.
Bertrand Traore: 7
Diego Costa’s stand-in was sharp and threatening. But he lacked composure with a wonderful first half-chance, panicking slightly and shooting over when Reds goalkeeper Mignolet hesitated. He also struggled to hold the ball up after the break but his work-rate was excellent and he almost scored with a fierce left-foot strike following some nifty footwork.
Kenedy: 5
He made one fine run but, other than that, gave the ball away cheaply and had difficulty adjusting to the pace of the game.
Tammy Abraham: 6
The teenage debutant had less than 20 minutes to shine, but took up some intelligent positions and showed some good touches. But he could have done better with a decent chance when given the opportunity to run at the last defender.
