Demba Ba turned out to be Chelsea’s savior in two consecutive wins as the Blues secured a narrow yet vital 1-0 win at the Liberty Stadium against a ten man Swansea City. Chico Flores was sent off early in the match and with Chelsea finding it very hard to break Garry Monk’s determined side in front of the vociferous home faithful, Ba’s effort was the difference as his shot deflected off Ashley Williams to give Jose Mourinho’s men a crucial win as they keep up their pressure at top of the table. Here are the player ratings from Wales.
Petr Cech: Yet another clean sheet for the Czech International who had a quiet shift, with Wilfried Bony’s goal bound header and Pablo Hernandez’s shot being his only tests of the afternoon. Cech was adept at claiming crosses with ease and his distribution looked quite good.
Rating: 2.5/5
Cesar Azpilicueta: Had a few nervous moments early on but restored calmness as he showed maturity and seemed to be at ease as the match prolonged.
Rating: 2.5/5
Branislav Ivanovic: The Serbian joined attacks up front spiritedly but his problem was well documented by the lack of finding anyone with his crosses from the flanks.
Rating: 2/5
Gary Cahill: Had barely anything to do in the match and looked calm with Terry at the back. One of those easier games for the English International.
Rating: 3/5
John Terry: Tried to build from the back with his passing arrays up front but should have scored in the second half when it seemed easier not to hit the target.
Rating: 2.5/5
Nemanja Matic: Most important player in the middle for the Blues who showed great resoluteness by getting back possession and recycling it for his team with his great vision and passing abilities.
Rating: 3/5
Ramires: Chelsea’s best outlet in the game pulling the strings in midfield and with his runs up front. Was replaced at the break by Eto’o. The Cameroonian missed two easy chances as a substitute but his runs in behind the channels caused Swansea problems at the back.
Rating: 3/5, Eto’o: 2/5
Andre Schurrle: Played on the left but looked anonymous before being replaced by Oscar the Brazilian too didn’t make much of an impact on the game in the second half.
Rating: 1.5/5, Oscar: 2/5
Mohammed Salah: The Egyptian played really well, but has to be blamed for the number of missed chances. Salah has really got what it takes to grow as a Premier League star and with more game time, expect him to shine next season.
Rating: 2.5/5
Willian: Had an off day given his standards. No doubt he worked his socks off with the runs in the final third, but the Brazilian had nothing to show on the final product.
Rating: 2.5/5
Demba Ba: After getting the winner against PSG in midweek, Ba stepped up to grab three points with his tame shot, but one which deflected past Vorm in the Swansea goal. Might be a huge goal if Chelsea are to remain in the title race.
Rating: 3.5/5
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