Chelsea confirmed qualification to the next round of the Champions League as they beat RB Salzburg 2-1 at the Red Bull arena. A brilliant strike from Mateo Kovacic opened the scoring for Chelsea, before Junior Adamu equalised just after half-time. Kai Havertz won the game for the Blues in the 64th minute with a wonderful curling effort from outside the box.
Player Ratings:
Kepa Arrizabalaga- 6/10
A slightly shakier performance than the Spaniard has set for himself over recent weeks. Despite making some good saves, Kepa looked nervous when aerial balls were sent into the box, making a few errors he was fortunate not to be punished for.
Trevoh Chalobah- 7/10
Another solid performance from Chalobah, who maintains his record of having never lost when starting for Chelsea. The young defender was solid defensively and made a number of good forward passes.
Thiago Silva- 6/10
A very rare error from the Brazilian veteran could have cost the Blues today. Silva overcommitted himself for a tackle in midfield, allowing Salzburg to cut through Chelsea’s defence. Apart from the mistake, he was his usual composed self.
Marc Cucurella- 4/10
Another seemingly nervous performance by Cucurella, who still does not look comfortable playing in a back three for Chelsea. The Spaniard made several sloppy passes and looked slightly erratic in challenges. He was caught slightly out of position for Salzburg’s goal.
Mateo Kovačić- 9/10
A great performance from the Croatian midfielder. A stunning shot from the edge of the box into the top corner opened the scoring. In midfield, he showed off his dribbling talents, as well as playing some fine passes.
Jorginho- 7/10
A strong performance from Jorginho, who looks more confident to play more challenging forward passes over recent weeks. He could have got himself a rare goal when his flicked header was cleared off the line. The only negative for the Italian was his weakness in defending counter-attacks.
Connor Gallagher- 7/10
An impressive game for Gallagher, who could have had two assists. His inch-perfect cross met the head of Havertz who couldn’t convert. Later he made a good run and pass to find Aubameyang, whose shot was well saved.
Christian Pulisic- 8/10
The American made sure to take advantage of a rare start for the Blues. He made a great tackle to win the ball in the build-up to Chelsea’s opener. Pulisic found himself involved in the second goal for his side, making a good run before playing a pass across to Havertz who scored. The only disappointment would be that he didn’t get himself on the scoresheet when he found himself open in the box but scuffed his shot.
Raheem Sterling- 7/10
A better performance from the Englishman who has struggled in recent weeks. Sterling was involved in a number of good passing moves from Chelsea, linking up well with Aubameyang. He was subbed off late in the second half for Mason Mount.
Kai Havertz- 7/10
An amazing goal will hopefully serve to give the German some much-needed confidence. He took a fantastic touch before letting his outside-of-the-box shot fly which cannoned in off the bar. Havertz could have had a few assists, playing great passes to both Aubameyang and Pulisic.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang- 5/10
The Gabonese striker will be bitterly disappointed not to have got a goal today. Aubameyang had a whole host of chances that were well-saved. His best opportunity came when Havertz put him one on one with the keeper, who did well to save the striker’s shot. It is a positive, however, he is getting himself in positions to make chances.
Subs
Ruben Loftus-Cheek- 6/10
Coming on midway through the second half, the Englishman helped solidify Chelsea’s midfield, winning some fouls and playing some good passes.
César Azpilicueta- 6/10
A late sub to assist in making the Blues defence more compact. Chelsea’s captain did a good job, and ensured his side held onto all three points.
Armando Broja- 6/10
The young Albanian once again looked hungry to impress with the limited minutes on the pitch he had. He didn’t have much of a chance with the ball but showed some good dribbling.
Hakim Ziyech- N/A
Mason Mount-N/A
Graham Potter- 8/10
Potter’s unbeaten start at Chelsea continues with another strong Champions League performance. The Englishman will be delighted to have secured qualification to the knockout stages, after what was a shaky start to the campaign. His only disappointment tonight will be that his side didn’t score more, as they totally dominated the game.
Twitter- @Kieranroy1
