Player Ratings As 10-Man Chelsea Hold Liverpool
Player Ratings From Chelsea's 1-1 Draw With Liverpool
-Vivaan Jain
-Edited By: Mitansh Kagalwala
Player Ratings:
Edouard Mendy (8/10) - Apart from a few casual passes and
faulty distribution of the ball which led to a loss in possession, Mendy continued
his excellent 2020/21 form with a brilliant performance. Though Chelsea’s
excellent defence left him with little to do, his judgement, composure and
catching was without par as he kept Liverpool at bay. He was one of the key
reasons that we were able to grab a point from this clash.
Cezar Azpilicueta (8/10) - Our captain displayed a fine performance during the match
and was able to read the game very well. He provided defensive stability by
making key interceptions, tackles and clearance outside the penalty box and
neutralise the threat posed by the Andy Robertson’s pace and crossing ability.
Though his crossing of the ball for our forward line could’ve been better, he
helped in progressing forward with the ball and played a crucial part in some
set plays.
Andreas
Christensen (9/10) – After
doubts over his performances in previous years, Christensen has finally proved
he deserves to play in that Chelsea backline for years to come. He played like an
experienced centre-back, taking command of the back line and picking out key
passes behind Liverpool’s defence. His ability to play balls directly to the
forward line helped to play the ball more quickly and progress forward. He was
brilliant defensively, and held the Liverpool hordes back, and is hence, our
man of the match.
Antonio Rudiger (8/10)-
He was sharp, quick and efficient like a
tank. Though he was given a yellow card for his interference in the penalty
situation, it felt undeserved. He was able to mark Trent Alexander Arnold
(never an easy thing) and reduce the number of balls going into the penalty box
for Firmino to convert. His diagonal crosses to switch the play were brilliant
and he was able to press from the middle and track back in time.
Reece James (6/10)-
Reece
James was excellent in the first half, using his physicality, pace, and
technical ability to hold the ball in close spaces to great effect. His corner
lead to Chelsea’s opener; and while there may be controversy over his sending
off, the law for an obstruction of a clear goal scoring opportunity (using
hands) has no grey area for the referee to be lenient. It was either a red
card, or not a handball.
Kante (8/10)- Doing what Kante does, he was quick,
energetic and efficient. In the first half, he dominated the midfield and
glided past the Liverpool players with ease. His ability to retain the ball and
find Lukaku making forward runs played a crucial part in going forward. He made
it difficult for the Liverpool players to find a way to attack through the
midfield. It was one of the primary reasons why Chelsea was able to dominate in
the first half. After he was forced off the pitch due to an injury, our
midfield press was less intense and the game became slow, which clearly shows
his influence on the pitch.
Jorginho (6/10)- The spark in midfield was missing after
Kante was replaced by Kovacic due to an injury. Jorginho had an average game
yesterday. His accuracy of passing and crossing was not up to the mark as he
gave away the ball several times in the opposition half. Though he was
essential in holding the midfield when we were one-man down, Jorginho is yet to
show Stamford Bridge his Euros form.
Marcos Alonso (8/10) –He was quick while moving down the line and
his link up play with Havertz and Mount down the left side caused Liverpool problems. Coming to his defensive duties, he was quick enough to block
the crosses into the box. He displayed moments of great defending when he used
his body intelligently to shield the ball, which frustrated the Liverpool plays
and eventually led to fouls in Chelsea’s favour.
Mason Mount (8.5/10)- His intensity and ability to press high up
the pitch was one of the reasons why Chelsea was dominating the first-half. His
touches were light and feather-like he seemed to be toying with the Liverpool
defence. He too had a couple of good chances where he flashed the ball just
wide across the goal or straight into the hands of Alisson. Mounts finishing
and decision making in the final third, if he is to live up to the players he
has been compared with, Gerrard and Lampard.
Kai Havertz (8.5/10)
– Kai
Havertz has begun to justify his 72$ million price tag. The way in which he is
getting past defenders and finding time to play the ball for Lukaku is a
testimony to his alertness and great understanding of the game. His sudden run
to the front post followed by a looping header from a seemingly impossible
angle led to Chelsea’s only goal of the game, and showed his understanding and
intelligence.
Romelu Lukaku (7/10)-
He was robust, energetic and a work-horse who
continuously was causing trouble for Liverpool’s defence. Though he got a few
chances, they were usually blocked by the defenders or saved by the keeper. In
some parts of the game though, he could be more decisive in the final-third and
passed to Mount or Havertz who were better positioned to make an attempt and
try to score. Overall, Lukaku was kept at bay by a combination of Virgil Van
Dijk and Joel Matip, but, this being only his second game, positive things can
be expected.
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