Chelsea profited from two corner routines to see off a strong Everton side at Stamford Bridge in Round Four of the Carabao Cup. Goals from Antonio Rudiger and Willian saw the Blues run out 2-1 winners over the Toffees but, with a much-changed side, who impressed the most? Find out in player ratings.
Willy Caballero – 8
The Argentine was one of the standout performers on the night and made a number of key saves to prevent Everton getting back on level terms. A highlight was his point blank save from Wayne Rooney, deflecting the ball wide after Rooney’s volley.
Antonio Rudiger – 7.5
Bagged his first Chelsea goal with a superb header at the back post, he had to backtrack to meet Charly Musonda’s cross before sending it looping back over Jordan Pickford and into the far side of the net. Perhaps could’ve done better in the build up to Everton’s equaliser but that won’t overshadow his impressive performance.
Andreas Christensen – 6
Dealt with the threat of Rooney quite comfortably but came under pressure during some tough spells of the game. Still has a lot to learn before he can start in the Premier League.
Gary Cahill – 5.5
Solid enough but couldn’t prevent Dominic Calvert-Lewin from getting a goal back. He was sent packing after the youngster’s first touch and ran into Caballero in an attempt to recover.
Davide Zappacosta – 8.5
A very promising display from the Italian, showing that all is not lost in Victor Moses’s absence. He went on a couple of mazy dribbles down the right and sent in a few dangerous crosses. Was always an option for the Chelsea attackers to use.
Danny Drinkwater – 6.5
A decent debut from the former Leicester midfielder, Drinkwater was the driving force in the Chelsea midfield and linked the play with ease. Along with Ethan Ampadu, they proved a strong partnership against an experienced Everton midfield.
Ethan Ampadu – 7.5
Showed that the first-team squad is where he belongs with an accomplished display alongside fellow debutant, Danny Drinkwater. Has a strong tackle and an innovate attacking pass in him. Also handled the occasion maturely and looked to have been playing in the first-team for years.
Kenedy – 5.5
Very questionable in the defending side of things, allowing Aaron Lennon and then Ademola Lookman far too much space and time on the ball. Looked uncomfortable when Jonjoe Kenny joined the attack and the young right back got into a number of dangerous areas.
Charly Musonda – 6
Aside from his assist for Rudiger’s goal, the academy product had a quiet night by his exciting standards. Often kept at bay by Leighton Baines, with the experienced Everton left back stifling much of the service that came his way.
Willian – 7
Didn’t have his best of nights but his goal was a thing of beauty. After playing a quick one-two with Cesc Fabregas, Willian came inside from the corner flag and unleashed an unstoppable strike that flew in off the far post and virtually sealed the game for the Blues. Still some way off from dislodging Pedro in the starting 11 for more important matches.
Michy Batshuayi – 6.5
Held up the ball well but, like his compatriot Musonda, there wasn’t much to shout about. He found it tough against the likes of Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams. The former denied him a goal after he had rounded Jordan Pickford, leaving Batshuayi to crash into the post.
Substitutes:
Cesc Fabregas – 6.5
Continued where Drinkwater had left off and created Willian’s goal in typical fashion. It was his clever movement off the ball that created the space and option for the one-two with the Brazilian.
Pedro – 5
Replaced Musonda but couldn’t make the impact he’d have wanted to.
Alvaro Morata – N/A
Replaced Batshuayi for the final few minutes.