Everton v Chelsea Player Ratings

Everton v Chelsea was quite simply one of the most surreal games I have seen. the 6-3 scoreline belies the threat that Everton, a decent side, posed all game. In truth Chelsea should have had the game sewn up after just 3 minutes when they scored to make it 2-0, but they sat back and Everton got back in to the game to make it 2-1 at half-time. The match hinged on 10 mental minutes in the second half when 5 goals were scored in a real ding dong match.

Courtois – 6 – not really at fault for any of Everton’s three goals and made one world class save to deny Mirallas a goal that could have seen Chelsea wobble. That said his distribution was a bit suspect at times

Azpilicueta – 6 – solid without being spectacular and always up for the challenge including being butted by ‘Taliban Tim’ Howard

Terry – 6 – Another solid display from JT although he was arguably at fault for the Naismith and Eto’o goals. His leadership helped when Everton came back at Chelsea hard

Cahill – 6 – Lost Mirallas for the goal but otherwise made some key tackles

Ivanovic – 8 – Could have covered better for the Naismith goal, but otherwise dependable – excelling getting forward so far this season as his 3rd minute goal exemplified. Great finish too worthy of a striker.

Matic – 7 – capped off a decent display with a rare goal, put away well with his left foot.

This is what we had to say about it on the show:

Ramires – 7 – ran around with his usual vigor and scored the crucial 5th goal – a superb effort redolent of the quality goals he is more than capable of. We also saw the downside which is his poor first touch and passing, giving the ball back to Everton in promising positions.

Hazard – 8 – still nowhere near his best but making some telling contributions creating openings for others and always an outlet on the left. Tracked back well and caused havoc with his run and shot that led to the third goal.

Fabregas – 8 – some absolutely sublime passes leading to the opening goal for Costa and several other chances. Conducted Chelsea liek an orchestra form the number 10 position.

Willian – 7 – bags of energy both in attack and defence.

Costa – 9 – Jose called it the complete performance from centre forward and who are we to disagree! Scored the first with a strikers finish and the last with a skillful finish leaving Distin on his arse in the process. In between he held up play well, made openings for Chelsea’s midfielders, tracked back to make crucial tackles near his own penalty box, berated his teammates, wound Coleman up and then goaded him for his own goal and then squared up to ‘Taliban Tim’ Howard. Not bad considering he was supposed to be injured with a dodgy hamstring. $ goals in 3 games – superb start!

Subs:

Mikel – 7 – Did what he is supposed to do and more. More being a storming run to capitalise on a wayward Everton back pass and then superb back heel on the run to Costa to set up the 6th goal.

Luis – not enough time to make an impression

Drogba –  not enough time to make an impressions