It couldn’t have been better for the Blues. A last gasp winner scored by John Terry from a Frank Lampard free kick ensured Chelsea beat an inspired Everton side by 1-0 in the early kickoff game at Stamford Bridge.
John Terry flung himself to meet Lampard’s free kick, however cameras later showed the ball went in deflecting off the hands of the exceptional Tim Howard. It was a crushing blow to Everton who hardly deserved to lose but as we know Football can be cruel sometimes. Here are Chelsea’s player ratings from what seemed to be a huge win for the Blues at Stamford Bridge.
Peter Cech: Yet another clean sheet for the Chelsea number one who was rock solid throughout the entire course of the ninety minutes. Made a couple of good saves, especially of a brilliant strike from Leon Osman in the second half and from a Steven Naismith header. I wonder how this result would be massive for Chelsea at the end of the season in their title aspirations.
Rating: 3.5/5
Branislav Ivanovic: A cracking birthday for the Serbian who was very unlucky not to score, thanks to the ever so brilliant Tim Howard in Everton’s goal. Displayed enormous energy all over the park and provided sublime crosses from the right wing.
Rating: 3/5
John Terry: A captain leads by example and the 33 year old showed that with his willingness to deflect in Lampard’s free kick late into the Everton’s net. Might just be the goal which would give Chelsea the title. Defensively rock solid too.
Rating: 3.5/5
Gary Cahill: What a season the Englishman is having for Chelsea. Was like a man mountain at the back and won almost everything that was thrown at him throughout the entire course of the match. Cahill with his exceptional ball reading skills was central for Chelsea earning the clean sheet.
Rating: 3.5/5
Cesar Azpilicueta: Was beyond fantastic today, displaying stupendous work rate and phenomenal energy in the left back slot. The performance showed the desire from the Spaniard to fight for his team.
Rating: 3.5/5
Nemanja Matic: Again I would say what a signing in January by Chelsea. He was everywhere, going forward, tracking back and a lively presence in the middle of the park. Fine performance capped with a brilliant work rate yet again.
Rating: 3/5
Frank Lampard: Wasn’t his usual self today, but then again delivered the dead ball for the winning goal. He did look slow off the radar, but then again great players provide one moment of inspiration to make the difference, that’s what Lampard provided today.
Rating: 2.5/5
Oscar: the Brazilian wasn’t his usual self today, looked too tired and out of sorts in the first half. Was rightly taken off at half time for Ramires by Mourinho.
Rating: 1.5/5
Hazard: Not a great day for the dazzling Belgian who shot straight at Howard failing to take advantage of his great position late in the second half. Will and certainly has had better games than this.
Rating: 2.5/5
Willian: The Brazilian too wasn’t at the peak of his game, however he picked out Lampard with a delightful cross but the latter’s header was tame and rolled out for a goal kick when it looked like breaking the deadlock was almost imminent.
Rating: 2/5
Samuel Eto’o: The Cameroonian wasn’t his usual self up front, squandering chances, now going for seven games without a goal. Should be replaced by Ba up front by Mourinho in the next game.
Rating: 1/5
Subs:
Ramires: Made a meal of Jagielka’s tackle, going too far too easily and winning the free kick that led to Chelsea’s winning goal from Lampard’s free kick. Can’t complain though, but it was cruel for Everton who hardly deserved to lose.
Rating: 2/5
Andre Schurrle, Fernando Torres: N/A
Watch the highlights here: