Stoke v Chelsea player ratings

Chelsea’s troubles continued at Stoke as they slipped to a seventh Premier League loss of the season. Here’s how we rated the players in the 1-0 away defeat. 

Asmir Begovic: 6
Made a fine first-half save from Jon Walters but, harsh as it may be, his lack of real star quality is showing in the big moments. Would Thibaut Courtois have saved Marko Arnautovic’s winner?

Cesar Azpilicueta: 7
Dependable as ever. Got forward well and kept things simple, giving quick possession to Eden Hazard, Willian and Pedro.

Kurt Zouma: 7
Defended sensibly and comfortably throughout and also did well when he switched to right-back as Chelsea chased the game.

John Terry: 8
His best performance of the season. The captain looked sharp, confident and never seemed unduly worried by Walters.

Baba Rahman: 6
Played well for the most part, doing well to limit the constant threat created by the tricky Xherdan Shaqiri, but was found marginally out of position for the winner.

Nemanja Matic: 7
Impressed with a busy and energetic midfield display that ensured Chelsea dominated possession.

Ramires: 5
Once again simply not good enough in possession. Almost scored with a fantastic dipping half-volley but gave the ball away time after time in key attacking positions. Needs to limit his ambition with his passing.

Willian: 8
Another hugely impressive performance from the Brazilian. He was tenacious, dangerous with the ball and always available.

Eden Hazard: 8
Looked a bit frustrated towards the end but excelled on his return to the side, setting up several excellent chances and almost scoring with a shot that was deflected wide. Desperately unlucky to finish on the losing side.

Pedro: 7
A decent display full of running and was so unlucky not to score when his shot hit the post.

Diego Costa: 6
Nearly scored an equaliser after a bustling second-half run and was his normal mischievous self, but surely all the aggravation and off-the-ball shenanigans affects his concentration and play.

Oscar: 6
Didn’t see a great deal of the ball but looked lively when he did, with some fine flicks and passes.

Cesc Fabregas: 7
Involved constantly after coming on with Oscar with 20 minutes left. The Spaniard found time and space regularly but could not create an equaliser.

Loic Remy: 6
Difficult to criticise him for not going down when he ran through late on but his superhuman efforts to hurdle Jack Butland’s rash challenge stopped him winning a penalty. He needed to be a bit cuter when the keeper raced out of goal.