Chelsea Player Ratings versus Crystal Palace: Azpilicueta And Pedro The Only Positives

 

Chelsea were dealt a severe blow in their bid to retain the title, after Crystal Palace defeated them 2-1 at the Stamford Bridge. This was only the second time that Mourinho has lost at Stamford Bridge, ironically in his 100^th home game as a Chelsea Manager. After Bakary Sako’s opener, Falcao leveled the score with his first goal in a Chelsea jersey but Palace regained their lead within two minutes through Ward’s header.

Courtois: 6/10

Made some decent saves in the first half but was let down by his defenders. Couldn’t do much to save either of the two goals. The stop to deny Cabaye’s fine effort was brilliant in particular. Needs his defenders to regain some solidity after the international break.

Branislav Ivanovic: 5/10

It’s been a terrible start to the season for the Serb. He struggled to contain Wilfried Zaha but things became even worse after the introduction of Bolasie, who managed to rip through Ivanovic and advance forward. Might be dropped soon if he doesn’t show any signs of recovery.

Kurt Zouma: 6/10

Took the place of suspended Terry in the side and managed to have a solid game at the back. Needed to come forward at times due to the absence of a midfield shield but remained strong throughout.

Gary Cahill: 6/10

Built up a strong partnership with Zouma but still would have liked to have the more experienced Terry by his side. Was left exposed a number of time especially after the break when Palace went on the attack.

Cesar Azpilicueta: 7/10

Another solid performance by him, seems to be the only consistent performer in the Chelsea backline. Couldn’t contribute much during Chelsea’s attacks and was substituted as Chelsea chased the game in the latter stages.

Nemanja Matic: 5/10

Continues to struggle this season, hasn’t performed to the levels we have come to expect of him after a sensational last season. Struggled to assert himself in the middle of the park and couldn’t keep up with Palace’s pace, substituted with 20 minutes to go.

Cesc Fabregas: 5/10

It’s difficult to believe that this is the same player who had the most assists last season, failed to dictate the play from the midfield. Missed a wonderful chance to put his side ahead in the first half but somewhat redeemed himself with a fine pass to Pedro which led to Falcao’s equalizer.

Pedro: 7/10

Provided the cross that allowed Falcao to score and had a shot on goal earlier in the game. Seems to be a great buy for Jose Mourinho but needs to improve his defensive game a little bit to help out his teams during times when they don’t have the ball.

Willian: 6/10

His work rate is absolutely outstanding, doesn’t shy away from tracking back when he loses the ball. Needs to contribute more in the attacking third, one feels he will have to settle for a place on the bench once Oscar returns.

Hazard: 6/10

Still not fully up to speed, went missing when Chelsea desperately needed their star player to produce a moment of magic. It’s only a matter of time before we see the explosive Hazard of last season.

Costa: 6/10

Spent most of his time on the pitch fighting with either the opposition players or the ref. Got into good positions due to his physical presence but couldn’t find the finishing that was needed.