Player ratings : Chelsea defeated in Zagreb

Chelsea slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League at the Stadion Maksimir. An early goal from Oršić was enough to beat the Blues, who never looked like scoring. Some seriously poor performances underlined what is turning into an increasingly worrying start for Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel this season.

Kepa Arrizabalaga- 6/10

A first start to the season for Kepa ends in defeat. Beaten by a classy finish for Zagreb’s opener, there was not much more he could have done to prevent the goal. Made a few comfortable saves and one good save to tip a long range effort onto the bar.

Kalidou Koulibaly- 5/10

Another below-par performance from Koulibaly who has been struggling since a very impressive debut against Spurs. Was beaten too easily for Zagreb’s goal and made some poor tackles. Was arguably lucky he stayed on the pitch, making some risky challenges when already on a yellow card.

Wesley Fofana- 6/10

Fofana will take the brunt of the blame for Zagreb’s goal, but apart from being slightly out of position, it feels harsh to criticise him for not catching the rapid Oršić. After that Fofana made some good tackles and was often looking to play passes in between the Zagreb defensive line which was good to see.

César Azpilicueta- 5/10

A rare start for Chelsea’s club captain ended after only 45 minutes as he was hooked off at half-time. A disappointing performance where Azpilicueta offered nothing going forward and was careless in possession and with his passes. 

Reece James- 7/10

Chelsea are so poor going forward nowadays that their right back looks like their best creative player every week. Yet again, James looked like the only Chelsea player who would make anything happen today. A brilliant strike which struck the post was the Blues only chance.

Ben Chilwell- 6/10

A mixed performance from Chilwell who started over Cucurella after his brilliant substitute performance against West Ham at the weekend. Some nice dribbling and defending was counteracted by passing that was often loose. Almost had a good assist, if not for a tight offside.

Mateo Kovačić- 6/10

Some good moments from Kovačić today, with some nice dribbling in midfield and some pinpoint passing. Going forward, however, the Croatian struggled to create many chances. A midfield pivot of him and Mount didn’t work for the Blues today.

Mason Mount- 4/10

Another player who needs to take a look at himself after the start he’s had to the season. Mount looks like a shell of the player he can be, with poor passing littering his game. He doesn’t look like scoring at all. One positive was his cross that found Havertz’s head which was then well defended.

Kai Havertz- 4/10

Other than a good start with some nice dribbling and passing, another player who was almost a shadow drifting around on the pitch. Never looking likely to score and never looking likely to assist. Tuchel needs to do some serious work on his attackers.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang- 5/10

A decent start for Aubameyang in the opening few minutes. Chelsea’s new striker found some space in behind Zagreb’s defence but failed to test their goalkeeper. After 15 minutes, however, Aubameyang became almost non-existent on the pitch. Apart from an offside goal, a shaky debut.

Raheem Sterling- 4/10

A disappointing first Champions League match for Sterling at Chelsea. Some very questionable decision-making going forward, with passes often played behind their targets. For someone who has sparkled in the Champions League before for Man City, he will be very upset with his performance today.

Subs

Hakim Ziyech- 1/10

What is there to say about this Ziyech performance? Summed up by catching the ball before it went off the pitch. Some dreadful passes, woeful shooting. The arrogance to take the second free kick in stoppage time after tamely striking the first into the wall, and then doing the exact same thing the second time makes this the worst performance I’ve ever seen by a Chelsea player.

Jorginho- 6/10

Brought on towards the end of the game, Jorginho did see over a slight tempo increase in the Chelsea side as the game drew to a close. A good cross to Mount could have resulted in a goal, but the resulting shot was straight at the keeper.

Armando Broja- 5/10

Someone who will be wondering when he will get the chance to start a game is Broja. Although he struggled to have much of an impact today, he has shown positive signs of the bench in previous games to warrant him starting a game, especially when other attackers are playing so poorly.

Marc Cucurella- 5/10

Cucurella dropped down to the bench today and was another late substitute. He came on for Chilwell and didn’t offer much going forward and looked loose in possession. In fairness, however, he did spend his time on the pitch with Ziyech who at times was almost playing for the other team.

Christian Pulisic- 4/10

What has happened to Christian Pulisic? The American really should have been allowed to leave in the summer transfer window because it is pretty clear he doesn’t want to be at the club anymore. That doesn’t excuse his frankly shocking play, however. It’s like he’s forgotten how to dribble, pass, and shoot over the summer break.

Thomas Tuchel- 3/10

Things are going from bad to worse for Tuchel who needs to turn things around quickly. Some of his new signings don’t look like they’re settling in, players who in the past have shined look out of sorts, and an opening night loss in the Champions League to Dinamo Zagreb is never a good sign. Worrying signs for Chelsea.