West Ham v Chelsea player ratings
Frank Lampard scored twice against his former club as Chelsea easily saw off West Ham. Here’s how we rated the Blues players in their 3-0 victory at Upton Park.
Petr Cech: 7
Had very little to do but remained alert to claw away Joey O’Brien’s header in the 93rd minute – West Ham’s first and only effort on target.
Branislav Ivanovic: 8
Excelled at full-back up against Stewart Downing and made one outstanding headed clearance in the second half to keep the Hammers at bay.
John Terry: 7
Led by example with a solid performance, albeit against a fairly toothless West Ham attack, and was quick to make challenges when required.
Gary Cahill: 7
Probably shaded his more senior defensive partner with the way he broke up West Ham attacks before they really got going and was a threat from set-plays, seeing a header cleared off the line.
Cesar Apilicueta: 7
Continues to keep Ashley Cole out of the side and did okay but what little joy West Ham got going forward came down his flank. Boss Jose Mourinho consider recalling the England full-back, if only to add a little balance to the back four.
John Obi Mikel: 8
A holding midfielder in front of a back four may seem unnecessary when playing against a side that doesn’t include a recognised striker, but Mikel channeled the spirit of Claude Makalele, for once didn’t overcomplicate the simple things, and his presence allowed Lampard free reign to cause havoc. An excellent selection from Mourinho.
Ramires: 7
His presence alongside Mikel helped Chelsea win the centre ground by sheer numbers – 11 of the 20 outfielders who started the game were midfield players – and although he didn’t influence much of the attacks, he and the Nigerian provided the base for the front four to shine.
Oscar: 9
Another magnificent display from the Brazilian, whose fragile, yet agile, frame danced around a crowded midfield, his movement causing West Ham all sorts of problems. Was felled by Jussi Jaaskelainen for the first goal before fizzing a low shot into the bottom corner for the second.
Frank Lampard: 9
Released from the shackles of his deeper role, this was 35-year-old Lampard at his lung-busting best, making late runs into the box and generally dictating the Chelsea attack. Could have had more than the two goals he settled for but his celebrations – which included kissing the Chelsea badge – were the last laugh in the face of those who booed his every touch.
Eden Hazard: 8
Outstanding in the first half, his flick-round-the-corner of James Collins and into the path of Oscar in the build-up to the second goal underlined his footballing intelligence. Indirectly set up the third goal as well when his blocked shot fell kindly for Lampard to lash home.
Samuel Eto’o: 8
While the deep-lying playmakers grabbed the headlines – and the goals – Eto’o’s contribution can’t be overlooked. He held the ball up well, kept West Ham’s defenders busy and was unfortunate not to grab a goal himself in the first half when denied by a fine Jaaskelainen save.
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