Chelsea player ratings vs Stoke City
After two defeats in back to back games for Jose Mourinho’s men, Chelsea effortlessly strolled to a 3-0 win over Stoke City at home, to temporarily go top of the table after Saturday’s run of games in the Premier League. Mohammed Salah opened the scoring for the home side before Frank Lampard and Willian rounded off on what was a routine victory ahead of the tough second leg against Paris St Germain coming up in midweek. Stoke City hardly provided any sort of resistance as Chelsea finally delivered the goods in a much needed win. Here are the player ratings from Stamford Bridge.
Petr Cech: The Czech International was largely untroubled and had nothing to do in the entire match. Was calm and assured at the back as his duties were limited to taking goal kicks and grabbing balls from crosses. Easy game for the Chelsea number one.
Rating: 2.5/5
Branislav Ivanovic: The Serbian was solid defensively and joined attacks up front but was unlucky to have his header ruled out for offside in the first half.
Rating: 3/5
John Terry: Peter Crouch caused discomfort early on but as the game prolonged the Chelsea captain looked assured at the back and was instrumental for getting his side yet another clean sheet.
Rating: 2.5/5
Gary Cahill: Yet again assured in possession and never seemed to give the ball away at the back. Surely will be England’s dependable centre back in the World Cup. Cahill has been superb this season.
Rating: 3/5
Cesar Azpilicueta: Once again the Spaniard was impressive and dependable in the left back slot. Made some mistakes in the first half but a controlled performance from the 24 year old.
Rating: 2.5/5
Nemanja Matic: Turning out to be a great signing for the Blues as the Serbian held for in midfield and also grabbed a delicious assist leading to Salah’s opener. Was instrumental to Chelsea’s ball retention and possession.
Rating: 3.5/5
Frank Lampard: Lampard missed his penalty but scored from the rebound as the ball fell kindly in his path. Made runs up front and pulled the strings in the middle with Matic.
Rating: 2.5/5
Mohammed Salah: Opened the scoring for his team with a well timed finish and was dependable on the flanks and caused the Stoke defense a lot to worry on the pitch.
Rating: 3/5
Andre Schurrle: The German made a good impression working his socks off before being withdrawn in the hour mark by Eden Hazard. The Belgian was dynamic come on and like always showed excellent poise on the ball with great technique.
Rating: 2.5/5,
Willian: My man of the match with an impeccable performance from the Brazilian. Showed dazzling skills and creativity throughout and also scored with a delightful finish from 25 yards.
Rating: 4/5
Fernando Torres: Tried to take the game by the scruff of the neck but his finishing let him down once again. Clearly Torres lurks in the shadow of his former self but the Spaniard was full of effort trying to do everything he can for his side.
Rtaing: 2/5
Hazard: 2.5/5
Jose Mourinho’s post match interview