Smiles were back on Chelsea fans’ faces at Stamford Bridge after the Blues carried on where they’d left off at Wembley by comfortably beating a strong Everton side. Alvaro Morata and Cesc Fabregas got the goals as Chelsea ran out 2-0 winners but who were the other star performers? Find out in this week’s player ratings – which masked Spaniard helped the Blues to victory?
Thibaut Courtois – 6
Had very little to do to be honest, assured in possession and a constant communicator with the players in blue in front of him.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7.5
A defensive stalwart in the back 3 as Chelsea kept their first clean sheet of the season but also provided an added option when the Blues were probing Everton’s defence. He whipped in a very similar cross to the one that he produced for Alvaro Morata last week against Spurs and this time he got the assist he deserved when the striker took his chance with a bullet header.
David Luiz – 6.5
Dealt with Sandro and Wayne Rooney well and helped Antonio Rudiger, who would’ve needed some reassurance after his dodgy display last week, through the game. Much improved from the opening day defeat to Burnley with a much more commanding performance in the middle of the back 3.
Antonio Rudiger – 6
Deputised well for the suspended Gary Cahill this week, a much better display from his shaky start in a Chelsea shirt in the opening two weeks of the season. Often swapped positions with David Luiz and played at the centre of the back 3 so as Luiz could offer more of an attacking threat as the Blues dominated the ball for a large majority of the game. Made an important last-ditch challenge on Sandro to possibly prevent the Spaniard from scoring in the second half.
Victor Moses – 6.5
A tireless display as usual from the Nigerian who will feel under threat from the potential arrival of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but after watching the Arsenal man’s performance against Liverpool, it would take something special to dislodge Moses from a starting spot at right wing-back. His high pressure prevented Leighton Baines from getting forward and his attacking runs gave the left back trouble all afternoon.
Cesc Fabregas – 8
Made amends for his red card against Burnley with a vintage Cesc Fabregas performance. He controlled the game as Chelsea had far more possession than they had had against Spurs last week. Scored Chelsea’s opener after a one-two with Alvaro Morata, he then volleyed the ball with the outside of his foot into the far bottom corner, much to the delight of the Chelsea fans. Received a standing ovation from the Stamford Bridge crowd when he was replaced and rightly so.
N’Golo Kante – 6.5
Was often Chelsea’s base of their attacks, sitting deep and spraying the ball left, right and centre with confidence and assurance. Stayed in his position(s) which allowed no space for the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson and Wayne Rooney to cause damage.
Marcos Alonso – 6
Not as instrumental as last week at Wembley but still, as ever, provided an option out on that left flank. Has developed an understanding with Antonio Rudiger after they weren’t really on the same wavelength against Spurs.
Willian – 7
Still without a goal in the Premier League this season but you can’t fault his effort. The absence of Eden Hazard has been barely noticed after the Brazilian’s impressive performances. Linked up well with Pedro and Alvaro Morata and created his fair share of opportunities for his teammates.
Pedro – 7.5
A constant thorn in Everton’s side and had plenty of efforts on Jordan Pickford’s goal, including an overhead kick in the opening stages of the game but he couldn’t quite guide that into the net. Another effort, this time on target, followed shortly after but Pickford did well to hold it. A nutmeg on Sigurdsson in the second half saw him open up a shooting opportunity for himself but he couldn’t find the target.
Alvaro Morata – 9
A goal and an assist for the second successive game at Stamford Bridge. Converted a similar chance that he had missed against Spurs to put Chelsea 2 goals in front after he had set up Fabregas’s opener with, guess what, his head. I think we’ve found his strength and I’m sure it’s not his only one.
Substitutes:
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 6
Added some strength to Chelsea’s midfield in the latter stages and seemed almost fully fit. A rest over the international break will do him well.
Michy Batshuayi – 5.5
Not many chances to talk about for the Belgian but at least he didn’t put it into his own net this time.
Andreas Christensen – N/A
Came on for the last few minutes to sure up Chelsea’s defence.
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