By Ross Mooring
For this match I’ve opted for a more in-depth evaluation of each player’s performances rather than adding an overview of the game, which will forever be etched into the memories of Chelsea supporters everywhere. The Chelsea team of the last decade can’t stop producing these kind of nights at the Bridge and every one seems more special than the last. What a game!
Petr Cech 9
Big Pete is still capable of big performances and this was one of them. The Czech stopper first made a flying clearance-cum-save from a Lavezzi free kick before dealing superbly with a number of deep crosses into the Chelsea area while under pressure. Saved superbly in stoppage time to secure Chelsea’s passage, without which Chelsea could have easily gone out.
Branislav Ivanovic 6
If one game could demonstrate both Brana’s strengths and weaknesses it was this. Defensively handled the onrushing Lavezzi and impressive Lucas Moura for much of the night while losing Cavani twice in the left channel late on (reminiscent of Cavani’s first goal in the first leg of the Napoli tie). Relentless running going forward, belied by a lack of guile and touch in the final third. His crossing prowess is misguidedly focused upon; more often that not he puts good shape on his deliveries, but it is one of football’s lesser known secrets that deep crosses from the flanks rarely – very rarely – produce goals. Especially when half the time you’re aiming at Fernando Torres. Long throw led to the opener.
Gary Cahill 8
Similarly to Ivanovic, this game showed up some of Cahill’s biggest strengths (and the strides he has made in the last 12 months from useful 3rd choice to title-winning starting calibre centre back) but also his one enduring (small) weakness, namely that he will sometimes lose quicker, clever centre forwards drifting in behind his blind shoulder. But enough of that, Cahill was immense on the night, keeping Cavani in check bar one occasion, while providing the attacking momentum of a third midfielder with his ability go past players near the halfway line (which allowed both David Luiz and Brana to move into more effective areas).
John Terry 7
The Captain, Leader, Legend led his men with yet another performance that shows that as he ages, his skills are not diminishing (if you never had pace to begin with, you can’t lose it). Played through injuries and knocks and put his body on the line, while his canny positioning meant he did not expose himself to the pace of the PSG forwards without sacrificing Chelsea’s defensive line, even with his left back getting further forward than usual.
Cesar Azpilicueta 8
We’ve become used to seeing Azpi sit tight next to Terry, but with Hazard going off the Spaniard knew he had to get forward and influence the game to compensate. Did so effectively without losing defensive control and his scuffed shot eventually found its way to Demba Ba for that magic moment.
David Luiz 9
This is what you want to see more of from David Luiz who seems to come alive in the biggest of games, seemingly focused by the task at hand. Energetic, intelligent and his passing radar was switched on (for once); he covered so much ground that although he often played away from his inside right midfield position he got back to sit alongside Frank Lampard and even filled in at the back when necessary. Assisted Andre Schurrle for the opener, literally off his own back.
Frank Lampard 7
As with Terry and Cech, Lampard rolled back the years with a very understated performance to suggest he’s nowhere near done in a Chelsea shirt. Even in the very recent past, he would have gotten forward with a player like Luiz alongside him, but this time Frank sat back and played very similarly to how Nemanja Matic operates; mopping up, putting his foot in and setting the tempo when in possession. Allowed Luiz to roam around, thus covering up both players’ deficiencies (Lampard’s lack of speed and Luiz’s lack of defensive discipline).
Willian 9 – Man of the Match
On a night with a number of man of the match candidates, Willian got my vote through a combination of tireless work rate and offensive skill and creativity. Not afraid to close down or get back in defence the Brazilian ran all game long, simultaneously playing both on the right and through the centre. Most Chelsea moves went through the fuzzy haired one and he constantly took on the first PSG shirt in his way to take the fight to the away side. Illustrated the drive and desire of Chelsea team’s past and present.
Oscar 8
This was another encouraging game from the Brazilian whose graceful play and running almost reminds one of the great Peter Osgood. Overshadowed by the sheer relentlessness of Willian, but certainly played his part with touch and decision making, while being aware enough to sticking to his defensive duties. Hit the bar with a corker of a free kick.
Eden Hazard 6
Hopefully his injury, while bad enough to be subbed in an important game, heals soon. Certainly wasn’t a complete tear, or else he’d have gone off on a stretcher.
Samuel Eto’o 7
If there’s one thing that Eto’o does much better than his fellow strikers, it’s the instinct of when to drop short or wide to help set up attacks with simple interplay. Another team performance when he worked hard and showed that element of tactical maturity that Jose first coaxed out of him at Inter Milan.
Substitutes:
Andre Schurrle 8
When Schurrle’s tail is up (and it usually is) he plays as a more a physical and direct version of Salomon Kalou, scoring goals in bunches, or if things aren’t going his way, doing the hard yards to enable Chelsea’s more cultured attackers to do what they do best. Another assured finish (he should actually score more than he does) combined with an all out style in place of Eden Hazard that saw the Belgian’s absence barely noted. Hit the bar with another drive.
Demba Ba 8
The tie-winner won a number of challenges before turning in the goal that caused scenes at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea reach the semi-finals for the 7th time 11 years.
Fernando Torres 6
Nearly bundled through a mass of PSG players before Ba’s winner.
