Chelsea recovered from a dreadful start to secure an FA Cup quarter-final replay against Manchester United. Here’s how we rated the Blues players in their 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.
Petr Cech: 6
At fault for United’s opening goal but atoned with a great double save to prevent Chelsea going 3-0 down before the break.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 6
Not one of his better games. Had his hands full defensively and offered little going forward.
Gary Cahill: 5
Was also at fault for United’s first goal, when he allowed Javier Hernandez to sneak away from him. Another Blues defender who looked short of his best, especially in the first half.
David Luiz: 7
Should have cleared Wayne Rooney’s free-kick for the second goal but overall had a decent game, with several timely interventions and the odd foray forward.
Ashley Cole: 6
Did his best to attack down the left-hand side but was frustrated at times, although he did serve up one excellent ball to Juan Mata.
Frank Lampard: 6
Neat and tidy but missed a decent chance in the first half and never really got going before being substituted early in the second.
Ramires: 7
Struggled in the first half as United controlled the midfield, but was a pivotal player in the second and came up with Chelsea’s all-important equaliser.
Victor Moses: 7
Missed a good chance to score but caused Patrice Evra some problems on the flank before being replaced.
Oscar: 7
Looked lost at times but made his class tell when he moved closer to Demba Ba in the second half and made things happen.
Juan Mata: 8
Pulled strings even when Chelsea were struggling, setting up chances for Moses and Lampard as well as troubling United with his skill and clever movement. Almost won it for Chelsea but was denied by a last-minute save from David De Gea.
Demba Ba: 7
Not much went for him but he worked hard, added a physical presence up front and did a solid job for the team.
Eden Hazard: 8
Helped to change the course of the game after being brought on early in the second half. Scored a great goal to haul Chelsea back into the tie and his trickery gave United a headache.
John Mikel Obi: 8
Was just as influential after coming on. Shored up Chelsea’s midfield, which had been second best to United’s, and allowed Ramires to push forward.
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This post was last modified on 11/03/2013
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Every one can now see that benitez is doing the right thing instead of him to be using mikel to start our hands but he prefers keeping him in the bench let him use his eyes and see the work that mikel did when hi was introduce in the game against man united a great thanks to hazard and ramirez. Up up CHELSEA!!!
mikel and hazrd should've started the game. Am happy, rafa realised his errors and substituted quick. But Mikel was the secret behind the comeback as he provided cover defensively for the other midfielders to move up field.
chelseal fan need 2 applaud mikel obi