Spurs v Chelsea player ratings

@owenphil

Chelsea maintained their lead at the top of the table with a cracking victory over rivals Tottenham at White Hart Lane. Here’s how we rated the Blues players in their 4-2 win.

Petr Cech: 8
A stand-out save from Kyle Walker late on put the gloss on another fine display. Made numerous other fine stops and inspired the rearguard resistance when his team were under pressure after the break. No chance with either of the goals.

Branislav Ivanovic: 7
Harshly booked for diving and a little quiet going forward. Kept busy defensively where he was solid and dependable. Probably the happiest man alive when he realised Gareth Bale was not playing.

Ashley Cole: 9
Continues to churn out world-class displays no matter what the circumstances or opposition. Made one particularly telling defensive block, a constant attacking threat and had a good penalty shout ignored. Classy, composed and near faultless. It’s almost a given these days.

Gary Cahill: 8
Even without his sublime goal, a fine performance. Coped pretty well with Jermain Defoe’s pace and clever running in an open game. Strong and commanding, suggesting John Terry’s absence is no longer the major concern it once was.

David Luiz: 8
Defended bravely, made some crucial interceptions and as ever used the ball intelligently. The Brazilian’s reading of the game and ability to bring the ball out of defence and start attacks adds another attacking dimension. His style and desire to play from the back continues to suggest an error could come at any point, but he brings so much to the team that the odd error will just have to be tolerated.

John Obi Mikel: 7
Put under sustained pressure throughout but only rattled as the team threatened to implode during the second-half struggles. Refused to buckle though, and although he won’t get the credit, his presence allows the creative trio to play. He did a good job for the team.

Ramires: 8
Developing a fine understanding with Mikel and is the perfect foil for his midfield partner. Provides the energy, dynamism and willingness to run beyond the ball but had the legs to get back immediately. Wore Spurs down as they wilted late on.

Oscar: 8
Showed flashes of his obvious quality with some glorious passing and demonstrated a remarkable ability to temper his attacking instincts and fill in when needed. Tireless and excellent even though he was outshone by his midfield colleagues.

Juan Mata: 9
Simply awesome again. Two wonderful goals with a great awareness of what the team needs and when. Typical vision and class, and his attitude to chase, harry and lay on the fourth goal epitomises his quality.

Eden Hazard: 8
Another attacking player who caused all sorts of problems for Spurs, especially during a great spell in the first half. Is still adjusting to English football and looks likely to grow in stature as the season progresses.

Fernando Torres: 7
Started brilliantly, with some great link-up play and superb touches. A selfless display in so many ways but his demeanour suggests he needs goals to be truly satisfied. Wasted a great one-on-one chance late on and was a fraction wide with a curled shot.

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