Chelsea player ratings from 0-0 draw with Manchester City

Here’s a full down of the player ratings...

Petr Cech 6

Chelsea’s keeper gave a solid performance and was largely untroubled throughout the match. Cech spilled one shot dangerously, but generally did what he needed to do with aplomb. 

Cesar Azpilicueta 7

Azpilicueta came in as Ivanovic moved into the centre, and looks an excellent alternative to the Serbian at right back. Defensively sound, Azpilicueta also gave Chelsea a valuable outlet as they attempted to build attacks.

Ashley Cole 6

Cole produced one his trademark goal mouth clearances, but was otherwise weaker than the rest of the back four, with Manchester City looking at their most dangerous when raiding down Cole’s flank.

David Luiz 7

Luiz was rightly preferred to Cahill in the centre of defence, with his ability moving the ball out from the back important to Chelsea as they try to get possession to their talented attacking midfield. He also looked more assured with Ivanovic next to him.

Branislav Ivanovic 7

Ivanovic was brought into the centre to add solidity to an area Chelsea have looked shaky in, and he certainly did that, being particularly dominant in aerial duels.

Ramires 7

For all their glamorous attackers, Ramires is becoming the vital part of this Chelsea side, as the man who links up their attack to their defence. Ramires did well again in both his attacking and defensive duties on Sunday.

John Obi Mikel 6

Mikel was an effective screen for Chelsea back four against City’s dynamic attack, but was poor in getting Chelsea starting going forward, either playing short ineffectual passes, or ceding possession. Mikel is a better player than that, and needs to use his passing more intelligently.

Eden Hazard 6

Chelsea spent a fair bit of without the ball against City, and Hazard was often not involved in the game. The Belgian was typically good on the ball and in drawing fouls, but was not influential enough in the final third 

Juan Mata 6

The brilliant Spaniard had a very quiet match by his standards, and without him firing on all cylinders Chelsea look significantly weaker going forward. Mata is at his best when Chelsea dominate the game, with them employing a more defensive outlook in the past couple of matches, he has been less influential.

Oscar 6

Like Mata and Hazard, Oscar was not as involved as he’d like to have been in attacking areas, but the Brazilian did out in a solid defensive shift.

Fernando Torres 5

New manager, but no new Torres. Despite reuniting with Benitez, Torres looked to have the same problems as ever this season, cutting a highly frustrated figure throughout.

Substitutions:

Oriol Romeu 6 

Romeu did not have much time to get on the ball and control the game in his appearance from the bench, but may see more playing time under Benitez in Chelsea’s busy festive schedule.

Victor Moses 5

Moses came on for Hazard for the last 20 minutes, but was wasteful going forward, and will not have improved his bid for a starting berth.

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