Chelsea did not play their best; they still managed to cruise through the 5th round of the FA Cup. We had too much strength in the midfield for Stoke to deal with, and they could not match our overall quality. Don’t let the 1-0 goal line fool you, Chelsea were in control all match. We dominated possession, and only allowed Stoke 1 shot on target. Chelsea had 14 shots and 5 were on target, while we had 7 corners in this match, to Stoke’s 2. Nonetheless, here is the Chelsea line up, and each players rating individually.
Mark Schwarzer
I give him a 7/10 as, Mark wasn’t tested that much. He made a good save in the first half, but other than that he had a fairly quiet match.
Branislav Ivanovic
I give him a 6.5/10 rating as he had an average match, especially by his standards. He made a couple good crosses though did not really threat in attack and in defence he played well, considering he was barely tested by the Stoke attack.
Gary Cahill
His average performance this match earns 6.5/10. Gary had a quiet match, though he made a handful of key interceptions and tackles with broke down the opposing attack.
David Luiz
I didn’t think I would be saying this, but David Luiz was our best defender this match. He broke down any Stoke attack with ease and his passing to the midfield was key in starting counter attacks. He took a rocket free kick, which cause a good save by Begovic. I give him an 8/10 this match.
Ashley Cole
He wasn’t tested at all in defence this match, which led to him having attacking freedom. He made some creative overlapping runs, which gave Hazard a lot more space to roam. I give Cole a 7.5/10
Nemanja Matic
On his first Chelsea start, I was impressed by Matic. He did well to break down the Stoke counter attacks, and did his job by not letting them attack our back four. He started counter attacks with ease, though I felt he could have been a little bit more direct. On many instances, he found himself running into space on the wing, but being a bit tentative and not crossing the ball. He could of taken a shot on a couple of instances, but didn’t have the confidence to follow through with the strike. I give him a 8/10.
Frank Lampard
This is Frank’s first start since he got injured at the beginning of this month. He played in the double pivot with Matic, but I feel he didn’t do his share of defending. He played well going forward, and often joined our advanced midfielders in attack. Was unlucky to not have a goal, after a late challenge blocked his tap in. I give him a 7.5/10
Eden Hazard
Eden had an average game by his standards, but still managed to earn himself a 8/10, which is saying something. He caused havoc for the Stoke defence and teamed well with Ashley Cole.
Oscar (subbed off for Willian in the 80th minute)
Oscar was my man of the match in this game. He was up and down the pitch in this match, helping out the team defensively and still was our shining light in attack. Many times, he showed a great turn of pace and he executed his passes well. He scored a wonder free kick and was unlucky to hit the post, 1-1 against the ‘keeper. He earned an 8.5/10.
Andre Shurrle (subbed off for Ramires in the 70th minute)
Andre had a poor match in my opinion, and it was clear that he wasn’t match fit, nor was he confident. He barely got involved in attack and his defence was average. A few more games played would help him tremendously. He was our worst player this match and I give him a 6.5/10.
Samuel Eto’o (subbed off for Ba in the 84th minute)
After having a great game against Manchester United, Eto’o had an average game today. He missed an open goal 76 minutes into the match, but he did get the foul, which Oscar scored the free kick from. I give him a 6.5/10.
Used Subs:
Ramires (70th minute)
Worked hard and was fouled a couple times going forward, earning a free kick in a promising position. 6.5/10
Willian (80th minute)
Was quiet, though he defended well late in the match. 6.5/10
Demba Ba (84th minute)
Was quiet as stoke were on the attack while he was on the pitch but was wrongly called offside after making a brilliant run behind the stoke defence. 6.5/10
Do let me know what you think fellow Blues! KTBFFH!
Sounds about right,,,good win that’s what matters in the cup…..onwards and upwards,,,ktbffh……
Good rating, matic in other hand impressed me alot, hazard always put pressure on defender which gave alot of chances to others c\player will cann’t but says about oscar who gave us a winning goal. they are all fatatic, up chelsea.
Waitin for Man City in the next round…….
Matic did not impress as much but we will keep patient..we know his good…
then plss watch the match again ok.