Top overall performance with some beautiful football played at times and exceptional debuts for Fabregas and Costa. Here’s how we rated the players for the Burnley v Chelsea match:
Courtois – 6 – As suspected/expected the big Belgian made his Premier League debut at the expense of Petr Cech. Might have done better for the Burnley goal, but his command of the box and preference for catching was very impressive. Also made a good save in the second half, but didn’t really have much to do. Could this mark the end of Petr Cech’s Chelsea career?
Azpilicueta – 6 – Like the rest of Chelsea’s defence had little to do, but was solid although a bit off the pace, and didn’t get forward with the same effectiveness as Ivanovic
Terry – 6 – As solid and dependable as ever, bar the Burnley goal where he was slow to come out
Cahill – 6 – Untroubled and seem to have more fun going up for set pieces
Ivanovic – 7 – Involved in all 3 goals, scoring the third from a corner. Excellent going forward – even managed a decent cross/pass or two and solid at the back
Matic – 6 – Controlling display in the DM role he is making his own at Chelsea
This is what we had to say about it on the show:
Fabregas – 9 – A stunning debut showing finesse, vision and guile, including potentially the pass of the season to play Schurrle in for the second goal. On this performance he could be the missing link for Chelsea to help them unpick stubborn Premier League defences. Also knows how to find the man when taking corners something Chelsea have struggled with for ages.
Hazard – 7 – Overshadowed somewhat by Fabregas display, but it should be noted that some of the creative weight has been taken off him which should benefit him and Chelsea. Last season’s only tactic was pass to Hazard who usually found himself double marked. Made some lovely attacking runs which is what he does best. We’ll forgive the failed rabona!
Oscar – 6 – Flitted in and out of the game, and needs to deliver in what will be a big season for him. Let’s hope he isn’t suffering from a World Cup hangover.
Schurrle – 7 – Full of energy and intelligent running especially for his goal. It looks as if the confidence of winning the World Cup could transform him into a key player for Chelsea, and the fact that he started the game tells us that Jose might agree.
Costa – 8 – A delight to see a striker at Chelsea who can hold the ball up, play others in and make intelligent runs opening up space for Hazard, Schurrle, Fabregas and co, and of course he did what he is paid to do – put the ball in the net. Could be the difference for us this year, and was denied a definite penalty and the yellow card for simulation was a joke. Let’s hope it doesn’t Costa us 🙂
Subs:
Willian – 6 – Didn’t have time to make much of an impact other than encouraging the away support to belt out his signature song
Mikel – 6 – Not enough time to make an impact other than shut the game out
Drogba – 6 – A heroes welcome and an opportunistic shot on goal, one wonders how many bit parts he’ll play this year.
