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Cheslea Player Ratings Against Liverpool – Ivanović And Hazard Steal The Show

Chelsea Fabregas Costa

After a 2-4 drubbing at the hands of Phil Parkinson’s Bradford City last weekend, an “embarrassed” Chelsea squad went down to settle it out in the League Cup semifinal against Liverpool last night. The League leaders embarked back on to their winning ways at Stamford Bridge following a 1-0 triumph over the visitors, courtesy the extra-time winner by Branislav Ivanovic. The Serbian International got a fix on Willian’s free-kick in the first minutes of extra-time, thus, suspending the gridlock and assuring the boss a much coveted slot in the domestic final.

Rodgers’ men had a plenteous write-off, however, suffered badly of the so-called missed opportunities. Certainly, the Reds had better opportunities in the first half, nonetheless, Alberto Moreno and Philippe Coutinho were kept back by remarkable saves from Courtois. Unmistakably, it was a breath taking face off, full of adventure and flashpoints; a semi-final worth the action. Meanwhile, we present you the player performance index for the Blues from last night’s face off:

Thibaut Courtois (8/10): The Belgian made stupendous one-on-one saves of Moreno and Coutinho’s strikes. Followed through his outstanding performance last week. Looked solid between the bars last night.

Branislav Ivanović (8/10): Although seemed a bit shaky once in a while, particularly in the first half, nevertheless, compensated well in the second half with a solid comeback. Powerfully headed pinpoint into Willian’s freekick within four minutes of additional time. The star of the show beyond shadow of a doubt.

John Terry (7/10): The skipper made it look good at the heart of defence. Kept the defence line-up well straightened out, however, charged in the second half for a foul on Sterling.

Kurt Zouma (6.5/10): A surprise selection over the English International Garry Cahill. Laid out his agility and tackling maneuvers, nonetheless, his approach towards the game seemed quite unschooled. A fair enough performance from the Frenchman.

Filipe Luis (6.5/10): Good in his defensive stint. However, helped off to the stands with an injury, towards the end of the second half. Nonetheless, kept it clean and tidy altogether.

Cesc Fabregas (6.5/10): Solid at the base of the midfield, however, withdrawn early in the second half when the skipper caught him on the knee following a sideswipe. The Spaniard was decent enough and nothing really exceptional.

Nemanja Matic (6/10): Not really the kind of stuff expected from the Serbian. Although displayed some remarkable instances of dynamism at Stamford Bridge he spared too much space in front of the back four, for Liverpool to charge down. Not much of a noteworthy thing done by the Serbian.

Willian (7/10): Technically accurate and solid in the park. Struck a superb free-kick which eventualized into Ivanović’s header. Struggled a bit to make an impact in the final third. Apart from that, impressive stuff from the Brazilian.

Oscar (7.5/10): Kept sidelined from the starting eleven in the first notch at Anfield last week. However, made a good comeback at Stamford Bridge. A bit reserved in the first half, but caused Liverpool serious troubles in the second half. Undoubtedly, one of the most dangerous players last night.

Eden Hazard (8.5/10): Just one word-Incredible. Kept on to the ball and charged down the park with awe-inspiring agility. Shot a beauty which just went wide by inches. Keeping that aside, it was one maverick performance by Hazard.

Diego Costa (8.5/10): Talk of the Blues and this man appeals to the kernel of action. Had a great opportunity of a penalty in the first half. Struck two brilliant shots which was ultimately saved by Mignolet. A key player in the Chelsea attack and never really spared a moment’s interlude to the Liverpool defence. A performance par excellence from the Spanish International.

Substitutes:

César Azpilicueta (6.5/10): Appeared on a cameo for Filipe Luis towards the end of the second half. Overall, an upstanding and gratifying show from the Spaniard.

Ramires (6.5/10): Came in for Fabregas early in the second half and had a decent outing.