A win, and a needed one!
Chelsea continue to face our age old problems, but Cole Palmer’s penalty and a solid enough – but not fully convincing I’ll add, defensive showing wins us the three points, and for now, we jump to eighth.
Djordje Petrovic – 7
Really solid today and made some important saves at crucial points of the game. For me, without a doubt we have found our number one keeper.
Malo Gusto – 6
A somewhat quiet afternoon, but that’s not a negative, he was solid enough all in all. I had my worries after the tackle on Willian in the first half and the similarities between it and the one against Aston Villa in September, so he was arguably lucky to see the full 90, but he was good enough.
Axel Disasi – 6
I felt Disasi was very solid today, good on the ball, five from six aerial duels won, it was a much better, more assured performance than what he’s displayed recently.
Thiago Silva – 7
A quite unbelievable 11 clearances today, and his experience I’m sure was huge in getting us over the line and grabbing the three points. Not forgetting the much needed clean sheet.
Levi Colwill – 7
One of Colwill’s better left back shifts this afternoon, with all of six clearances, three interceptions and six tackles to show for his defensive contributions. A lapse at the back post in the first half did nearly cost us, but fortunately Petrovic saved his blushes.
Moises Caicedo – 7
94% pass completion, four tackles, and an all round lively performance. For the first time in a while, he looked like he was finally part of an organised midfield alongside Enzo today – why is it never the case normally?
Enzo Fernandez – 8
Superb, and without doubt our player of the match. Five long balls, an improved 93 touches of the ball, with a lot of important off the ball contributions too. Today felt like we had the real Enzo back in the team – lets hope it carries on this way now.
Conor Gallagher – 6
Nothing out of the ordinary from what we’re used to seeing from Gallagher. Busy, always around where the ball is from a pressing perspective, and decent enough.
Raheem Sterling – 5
Our left hand side for the most part of the game was rather isolated, and not much came through it. I’d like to put a lot of that down to the lack of a natural full back/wing back, and it caused a visual struggle for Sterling, and he was largely ineffective, despite winning our penalty.
Armando Broja – 5
Not his day, at least on the eye, for me. Just two shots and little meaningful involvement in the game. Watching Broja, with his general lack of involvement in the game compared to Jackson, does exemplify the differences between the two – but all in all, not great today.
Cole Palmer – 7
Showed real class today, expertly dispatching his penalty, which he needs real credit for winning (his pass to Sterling undoubtedly making it happen).
Mauricio Pochettino – 5
An improved setup, was at least how it felt from an Enzo and Caicedo point of view. We do still face the same issues we faced back in August, and that undoubtedly is down to coaching, but a win keeps him safe for now.
Noni Madueke – 5
On the eye, bright in parts but overall not the best cameo he’s had, however considering the state of the game at the end, he probably wasn’t coming on with the platform to make much of an effect.
Ben Chilwell – N/A
Minimal involvement, so, hard to truly judge.
Carney Chukwuemeka – N/A
Alfie Gilchrist – N/A
Twitter – @Chelsh31