By Ross Mooring
Mark Schwarzer 8
Did what was asked of him, making two strong saves under intense pressure at times. His distribution was generally good too.
Cesar Azpilicueta 8
His performances speak for themselves. Azpi is the man.
Branislav Ivanovic 9 – Man of the Match
Did an excellent John Terry impression, marshalling the defence and showed his veteran presence in the way he brought the best out of Tomas Kalas.
Tomas Kalas 8
I can’t imagine many bigger games for a youngster’s full debut. Kalas’ instinctive positional sense set him up to screen the play in front of him and when required the Czech won the vast majority of his challenges, including a couple of exceptional tackles.
Ashley Cole 7
The Beard seems like he hasn’t lost a beat and has shown his early season form (when he was poor before Azpilicueta took over) was an abberation. Hopefully Jose and co deem him worthy of another extension (although it’s obviously up in the air) as the Cole/Azpi full back pairing offers something different – something more nuanced – to the Brana/Azpi tandem.
John Mikel Obi 7
If only Chelsea played their ultra-counter attacking game every week, Mikel would be one of the first players on the team sheet. The team’s set up renders the Nigerian’s lack of mobility or dynamism on the ball irrelevant and he’s able to concentrate solely on setting the midfield line, tracking central runs and putting his foot in when required. Unfortunately for him we don’t, although this sort of performance might put his position in next year’s squad under less scrutiny in the summer.
Nemamja Matic 8
A usual Matic performance. Reminds one of a less flamboyant Ruud Gullit in his Chelsea days – makes the game look so simple.
Frank Lampard 6
Struggled at times in an unfamiliar deep number 10 role, failing to exert pressure on Gerrard when the Liverpool man got into dangerous areas, but gave his all and made few errors. Of course, Gerrard doesn’t need pressure to make a critical error or two…
Mohamed Salah 6
Still a work in progress, the young Egyptian can only perform better as he gets used to the English game and gains experience at this level of football. Shows rawness and promise in equal measure and as we know, as speed to burn.
Andre Schurrle 7
The German has to work on a couple of areas of his game, but he has the ideal package for a Mourinho player – talented, physically strong and quick and eager. Nearly scored with an incisive run and shot from his preferred left flank.
Demba Ba 6
Positives for Demba – was a nuisance to the Liverpool defence and took his goal well. The negative – very careless in possession throughout the game.
Substitutes:
Willian 8
Has been right up there as one of Chelsea’s best players of the second half of the season as essentially a more burly, defensively aware version of Eden Hazard, ie; perfect for the modern fast pressing, counter attacking game. Oozes class but works his socks off, as he did so coming off the bench. Schoolyard tap in to seal it.
Gary Cahill 7
Came on to close the bus doors firmly shut and made an impact, crucially cutting out a near post cross on one of the very rare occasions a Liverpool player made it to the byline.
Fernando Torres –
Did not play the requisite 10 minutes for a rating, but laid on Willian’s goal nicely to seal a famous win.
Don’t forget to tune in at 19.00-21.00 GMT every Monday for the Chelsea FanCast on sportstonightlive.com, mixlr.com or watch live here where we discuss the latest Chelsea matches and the player ratings for each game.
I was there yesterday for what was a stunning performance of control and power. Agree with your ratings except Demba Ba. Thought he was exceptional, worked hard, controlled the ball well and caused real problems. One of his best games without any meaningful support. Understandably tired and then gave the ball away but was replaced and took a well deserved ovation as he left the field.
Your score does not reflect a strong performance yesterday.
Cheers Graham. For me it was a mixed bag from Demba, as I said above. He didn’t just give the ball away late on, it was consistent throughout the game unfortunately, four or five times that I can remember. Thanks for your comment.
Great ratings as usual, although I do think Cole should be on par with Kalas and Dave. I have been indifferent to talk of him leaving the club as I thought his performance was so poor in the beginning of the year that he done (as you noted above). His performance yesterday changed my mind. Not only was he strong in defense, but he also showed some offensive punch, especially in the beginning of the game when it was level. I agree they should try to sign him to an extension, as long as he understands that he will not be the starter every week. This could prolong his career a couple of years.